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4^ 






Il^JUKIOUS INSECTS 



M I c H I a :a ]sr 



Dl^t.l'Ti 



By A^JVfcoOK, (l?J4' 



Of the Michigan State Agricultural College. 



3^. //^ 






By lr»Q^«r froq 
Pat. OfflM Ut). 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE FARM, GARDEN, AND 

ORCHARD. 



BY PROF. A. J. COOK OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 



PEEPACE. 

The following report is arrauged with the express desire that it may become 
a practical hand-book to every husbandman in our State. It is intended solely 
as an insect manual to the farmer, gardener, and fruit-grower, which shall give 
all possible information as to the best means to ward off insect enemies, and 
will be pruned of all scientific terms and technicalities not absolutely needed 
for the accomplishment of the desired end. It is greatly hoped that in spread- 
ing this information broadcast over our State, all our tillers may be stimulated 
to practice the measures recommended, for without concerted action to the 
fullest extent, this important problem of insect injuries can never be perfectly 
solved. Will not every farmer into whose hands it may fall, every grange, 
club, and society, horticultural and agricultural, if only for selfish ends, see 
that every farmer in the vicinity procure it, and then all work together to 
make it in the largest degree useful ? 

Those insects which attack our field crops are first considered, next the 
insect pests of our gardens, and lastly, the enemies of our orchards and vine- 
yards. In each division the insects are considered somewhat in the order of 
their importance. 

Tiie scientific name of each insect will be placed in a parenthesis, and can 
be passed over when desired. 

In the preparation of this manual, free use has beem made of the valuable 
rej)orts of Messrs. Eiley, Fitch, Le Baron, and Walsh ; the American Entomol- 
ogist, Practical Entomologist, and the important works of Harris, Curtiss, and 
Packard. 

The illustrations are from drawings made by Prof. Riley, and so need no 
praise. 

COLORADO POTATO BEETLE. 
Doryphora 10-Uneata — Say. Sub-Order Coleoptera. Family Chrysomelidie. 

If any one should doubt that this late comer among our pests takes first 
rank as an enemy to our field crops, he would only need to glance at the market 
columns of any of our journals to become speedily convinced of his error. 
What signifies the fact that potatoes are quoted, and have been for the past 
two or three years, even in the rural journals, at one dollar and upwards per 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



bushel, unless it means that the potato beetle is fast converting a common arti- 
cle of diet into a luxury ? Nay, more, it asserts that even known remedies are 
slow of application. Though in this case we have a very cheap and perfectly 
eflFective remedy, still, actual observation and the high price of potatoes prove 
that barely half our farmers make use of it. There can be no doubt that 
should this article induce all our farmers "to fight the potato beetle by the 
most approved method," it would add at least $100,000 to the wealth of our 
State the coming year. 

HISTORY. 

The history of this beetle, that it is a native of Colorado, where it was 
discovered, named, and described by Say, many years ago ; how, on a bridge of 
potato vines, it invested our western States less than a score of years since, and 
from thence spread rapidly eastward till it now has actually gained our Atlan- 
tic coast, where it only awaits opportunity to take passage for Europe, where 
it will continue its dreaded ravages in the green fields of the Emerald Isle, — 
all this is already well known. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

The natural history of the potato beetle is also familiar to most of our 
farmers. It comes forth out of the earth as a beetle just as the potato vines 
are peering from the ground. Sometimes, as the creature stands over the hill, 
it seems fairly to grin in expectant longing for the rich, tender feast which 

nature is about to 
^i^- 1- spread. With the 

coming of warm 
days the female 
(Fig. 1, d) lays her 
clusters of orauge 
•eggs (Fig. 1, «), 
sometimes to the 
number of a thou- 
sand, — a single 
beetle which I 
confined laid over 
eleven hundred 
eggs, — either on 
the under side of 
the leaves of the 
potato vines, or on 
blades of grass or 
other vegetab 1 e s 
near by. 

These soon hatch, when the young or larvae (Fig, 1, b) are found to eat quite 
as voraciously as the mature beetle. In about fifteen days the young become 
fully developed, when they pass into the ground to pupate (Fig. 1, c). After 
about ten days of such quiet they come forth in the beetle state, and from 
their freshness it might be thought that the old-time beetles had been absent 
to get a new suit, and had just returned to show their finery. 

These beetles, with their bright bands of yellow and black, mate, deposit 
eggs, and soon die, behaving in all respects as before. So, too, the larva3 and 
pupa3. These again are followed by a third brood, which completes the ruinous 




a e»gs ; b larva ; c pupa ; d imago ; e wing-cover, maguified; /I 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. o 

work of the season; but tlie pupa3 of this last brood do not come forth in ten 
days, nor do they die ; but, resting quietly beneath the earth, seem to be gath- 
ering strength for a miserable repetition of the previous year's abomination. 

WILL THEY REMAIN WITH US ? 

It is hoped by many that these incorrigible pests will not be long among us, 
reasoning from analogy, as many insects (like the Hessian fly) have been quite 
as destructive for a time, and then have almost entirely vanished. We may 
reasonably hope that the insect enemies of this beetle, which are rapidly in- 
creasing, will lessen its numbers yearly; but that we shall ever be rid of it is 
reckoning Avithout our host. It will probably remain with us for all time, 
though as its natural enemies become more numerous they will doubtless hold 
it in check so that some years the evil will be very slight. Still it is safe to 
conclude that we shall have to be ever ready to give it battle, and well may we 
be grateful that such efficient weapons are at our command. 

REMEDIES. 

Inasmuch as Paris green is so practical, so efficient, and so cheap a remedy 
for this pest, I shall, in this place, do what every farmer had better do on his 
farm, — ignore all other means, such as hand picking, machinery, etc., as too 
expensive, and not sufficiently thorough. AYith a little care, Paris green, — the 
genuine article, of course, — is entirely safe, and we may well welcome the 
change of its use from our beautiful green-tinted wall-papers, where its poi- 
sonous exhalations have long gendered disease and death, to the richer green 
of our potato-fields. 

The two methods which have been tried at the college with the best success 
as to economy, are either to mix the green with water, a heaping tablespoonful 
to ten quarts of the fluid, and sprinkle on with a common sprinkler or an old 
broom ; or to mix the green with flour in the proportion of one part of green 
to six of flour, sifted on when there is no dew on the vines, either through a 
muslin bag suspended to a convenient handle, that it may be carried and 
shaken over the vines, the person making the application walking npright, or 
with a pail, the bottom being of fine wire gauze or finely perforated tin. Where 
these methods are used, the whole expense per acre, for both material and cost 
of application, will not exceed five dollars for the season. 

The advantages of the water mixture are ease, safety, even with the careless, 
and rapidity of aj)plication, and that too, even if the day is windy. Its disad- 
vantages are waste of material, as nearly one-third of the water does not touch 
the vines, and of course is lost ; danger of not stirring the mixture sufficiently 
often, when the green, being only held in suspension, not dissolved, settles to 
the bottom, and the preparation becomes too dilute ; ease with which the green 
when thus applied is washed off" by heavy rains ; and the danger of not apply- 
ing evenly, as the powder suspended in the water is amassed wherever the 
drops of water settle. Yet from its convenience, and the ease with which the 
application may be made, this will quite likely be the favorite method. 

After careful experimenting, I have found the flour mixture preferable to 
all other preparations. The flour makes the green adhere to the vines so that 
the heaviest rain is powerless to remove it. No second application is needed 
till enlarged growth of vines demands it. I make the mixture strong, — one of 
powder to six of flour, — so that in making the application we need add only 
just enough of the mixture that we may be able to see it on the vines. The 



6 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

danger of using the flour mixture consists iu the fact that unless used spar- 
ingly, the paste will destroy the vines. But it is perfectly easy and entirely 
safe to use it if the least possible amount be used. I repeat, add only enough 
that it may be seen. 

I have thus been enabled to safely apjily this mixture even to our tender 
melon and cucumber vines. I would not apply it when the dew is on, as the 
application will be more even if the vines are dry, and with the strength rec- 
ommended above will always prove effectual. I think this is the most econom- 
ical method yet recommended. By using the flour mixture I have found that 
two applications are always sufficient for our early varieties, and freqiiently for 
later ones ; and three applications are in any case all that are needed, even in 
seasons of heaviest rains. Some prefer to use plaster instead of flour, using 
forty or fifty parts of plaster by measure to one of the green. This does not 
form a paste, and can be added in quantity without danger to the vines, — 
indeed the plaster may be useful, — but the first heavy rain will wash it off. 

El!fEMIES. 

I might enumerate and describe the score or more of natural enemies, birds 
and insects, which attack and destroy this potato beetle ; but as they will not 
for long years, if ever, make the use of Paris green unnecessary, and as this 
article is only to deal with practical problems, I will omit this interesting part 
of the subject. Xow, will not all who read this article 

PKACTICE THIS REMEDY, 

and thus make a blessing out of a curse ? For if, by expending $o per acre, 
we can save our crop, and get, as is true all over the State, fifty cents more per 
bushel than in ante-beetle days, we shall surely sustain the jmradox of being 
indebted to a sore enemy for an increased profit of 140 per acre on our potato 
crop. How pertinent the following from H. Vorhees of Ottawa county, in the 
New York Tribune : 

" I see now how I might have made much money; for the price of potatoes 
has doublerl. I find the cost of applying Paris green is not more than $5 an 
acre, and it is a sure remedy. Yet there are those right here who spend fifty 
days' labor, hand-picking, per acre." 

Is not the Detroit Tribune quite right in saying that no one has any moral 
right to neglect insect pests and thus bring evil to others ? With slight care 
this remedy is entirely safe. Of course no one need eat or breathe the poison, 
while the danger of poisoning the earth, lately heralded forth by that first sci- 
entific entomologist of our country, Dr. J. L. Le Conte, was shown by Professor 
Kedzie of our own college, some years since, to be entirely groundless. It is 
strange that so able and careful a scientist as Dr. Le Conte should lend his 
great name in fostering such expensive errors. 



CUT-WORMS. 

Agrotians. Family, .Woctuidoe. Sub-Order, Lepidoptera. 

Little, if any, inferior to the potato beetle in its destruction to our field 
crops, is the cut-worm. The cut-worms (for there are several species which 
claim tribute from the grain-grower), are not confined in their operations, to 
a single staple, for nearly all our cereals, grasses, and especially our corn crops, 
are made to contribute to their support. 

The cut-worms are so named from their prodigal habits of cutting ofi" plants ; 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



not taking their fill on a single plant, leaving all uneaten undisturbed, but, as 
if totally depraved, rejoicing in rioting and wantonness, they simply cut the 
plants asunder, thus ruining every plant that they attack. 

These destroyers are called surface caterpillars in England, doubtless from 
the fact that they lie concealed by day just beneath the earth surface. In 
Europe they are dreaded from their effect on grasses, and such injury in this 
country, though less patent than that done to corn, is by no means inconsid- 
erable. In Europe the loss of a third of a crop is ruinous ; here it is common, 
and hardly causes comment. 

The cut-worms are no foreigners, "being to the manor born.-' Even the 
Indians found in them a foe fully as persistent if not as formidable as the 
white man. 

XATUEAL HISTOEY. 

The natural history of these insects (and this will apply to those which rav- 
age our gardens and orchards as well as those attacking field crops), is as fol- 
-pj^Q^ o_ lows : Some time, usually late in the 

season, the moths, which are always of a 
sober hue, gray or brown, with two con- 
spicuous spots on their front wings, may 
be seen in concealed places about our 
houses, as being attracted by lights they 
come into our houses by night, and be- 
ing night moths, seek to hide by day. 

It is probable that the moths, after 

pairing, seek some grass spot on which 

A^rotis subgothica. to deposit eggs, for true it is that we find 

the caterpillars, in fall and spring, amidst 
the roots of grass on which they appear to feed, though even these immature 
larvffi may, like the mature ones, come forth for the more succulent blade and leaf. 
And among all insects there is a strange instinct which seldom errs, which se- 
cures egg-laying in close proximity to the food of the larvfe. In sooth, there are 
some flies which only sip the liquid sweets of flowers, yet seem to remember their 
former less refined diet, as they place their eggs in the midst of carrion filth or 
stable refuse, on which their maggot progeny seem to feed with unfailing relish. 




Fig. 3. 




The young cut-worms, perhaps from 
their small size and abundant food, 
seem to attract little attention because 
of their injuries till the succeeding May, 
when the full grown larvae, now over an 
inch in length, greasy, and in sober garb 
of gray, brown, or striped with light 
and dark, depending on the species, 
come forth to nip our crops and blast 

our hopes. A^rotis Cochraui,- -Larva and Iraafjo. 

After the larvtfi growth is complete they become chrysalids in an earthen 
Fig. 4. cocoon, a few inches from the surface, and in summer 

and autumn the moths again appear, when the same 
cycle of growth, changes, and destruction is again 
repeated. 

I might describe here, as before, many predaceous 

and parasitic insects which help to hold these dread 

p destroyers in check, but as they are unable, without 




8 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

aid, to wholly accomplisli the good work, I will at once proceed to the more 
practical duty of detailing artificial means to preclude these injuries. 

REMEDIES. 

I am fully persuaded that there is no more sure way to ward off cut-worm 
injuries than to enter into partnership with the birds, in which it shall be the 
duty of the party of the first part to plow the land early in the fall, so that 
bluebird, robin., and grakle may have a cut-worm feast before leaving for more 
genial climes. Deep harrowing will aid the party of the second part, while a 
repetition of the same as early in the spring as the season will permit, will in- 
sure a thanksgiving repast of the same nature. I feel very certain that from 
this cause, and not freezing of the larvse, has originated the unquestionable 
fact that fall plowing is an advantage. When unprotected larvas can survive 
a temperature -30'=*, as I have proved the past winter, we may be slow to credit 
the freezing method of destruction. 

Our early spring birds are much put to it to gain sufficient food for them- 
selves and brood, and with the opportunity will become chief abettors in cut- 
worm destruction. That the three birds above named do merit loudest praise 
for such valuable service I have personal proof. 

The only method to supplement the above measures when they are not ade- 
quate to remove the evil, with our field crops, is digging out by hand and de- 
stroying. This is by no means so tedious a procedure as would be thought at 
first, as by passing along the corn-field early in the morning the cut stock will 
reveal the whereabouts of the night-marauder, which, by digging around the 
stub, may soon be found and crushed. As this plan implies the loss of at least 
a single stock to a larvce, it would be very well in planting to practice the 
advice of the poet: "Two for the blackbird, two for the crow (they have 
earned them), two for the cut-worm, and four to grow." This advice will be 
all the more pertinent if the corn is to be planted after late spring-plowed 
greensward ; I need hardly say late, as our wet springs usually necessitate late 
spring plowing. 

If our farmers will heed the above, and give the go-by to all those quack 
remedies which obtain annually an unmerited place in our periodicals, such as 
salt, plaster, etc. (though all fertilizers which promote rapid growth are always 
to be commended as aids in the work of insect destruction), this cut-worm 
evil will soon assume less importance. 

The following are the species which I have found injurious to our corn 
crops in this State : Agrotis nigricans, Linn. ; Agrotis devastator. Brace ; Aqro- 
tis suigothica (see Fig. 2d), Howorth ; and Haclena amputatrix, Fitch. These 
species are all on exhibition in the college museum, and those desiring full de- 
scriptions of them in all stages will find' them all in Riley's and Fitch's reports. 



THE MAY BEETLE. 

Lachnoslernu fasca, Frohl. Family, Scarabeidm. Sub-Order, Cokoptera. 
Few farmers will need a description of that sleek old culprit, the white grub, 
— still less to be assured of its destructive powers, as the damage to our mead- 
ows and other products are becoming yearly more alarming. If I mistake not, 
this is considered in some portions of our State, especially the southwest por- 
tion, the farmer's worst insect pest. 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



NATURAL HISTORY. 

I need hardly say that' in May and June the beetles (3 and 4, Fig. 5), all 
brown and plump, come forth from the groimd, and at early twilight, and on 
into the night, fly forth in such numbers as to sound like the swarming of 
bees, often annoying us by thumping at our windows or lumbering into our 
rooms, to be felled by bumping the walls; hence the name dor-beetle, and the 
expressions " beetle-headed," and " blind as a beetle." These beetles often do 



Fig. 5. 




1, pnpa ; 2, larva ; 3 and 4, imago* 



no inconsiderable damage by eating 
the foliage from our fruit trees, 
though here at the college they have 
seemed to prefer the oak leayes. 
Would that they might rest content 
with the completion of such mis- 
chief. After pairing, the females 
lay their eggs, fifty or more, prob- 
ably in the ground, near the roots 
of grass or other plants. 

The grub, white, wrinkled, with a 
brown head (2, Fig. 5), feeds on the 
roots of grass, wheat, corn, and oth- 
er plants for three years, when it 
becomes full-grown, having attained 
nearly one and one-half inches in 
length. In the third autumn it 
forms a cocoon of earth, in which it 



pupates (1, Fig. 5). The next May or June the beetles come forth to enjoy a 
brief riot, and prepare for another round of mischief under ground. 

REMEDIES. 

As the number of these beetles and grubs are frequently so alarmingly great, 
and their mischief so wide spread and extensive, we can only hope to ward off 
their ravages in our pastures and meadows by wholesale remedies. So soon as 
the meadow turns sear, and we have the further evidence that the white grub 
is the culprit in the grass, now rootless, freely yielding to the hand or rake ; 
or, still better, finding the sleek old gormand beneath by a little digging; if 
this state of things is so extensive as to create uneasiness, the field better be 
given over at once to the swine, and the more swine the better. It may be as 
profitable to turn the grass into pork, indirectly through the aid of the white 
grub, as to change it directly into beef or mutton ; besides, we then are sure 
to destroy a grievous pest. If a meadow is the seat of the evil, it may pay best 
to cut the hay first. I?arly fall plowing will enable the birds to aid the swine, 
and possibly kill the grubs by destroying their food. Frequent harrowing will 
give the birds a still better chance to indulge in this " feast of fat things."' 

In protecting our wheat and corn, the same remedies would apply as those 
recommended to destroy the cut-worm. 

As yet, we know no method to fight these pests of our meadows, except the 
one given above ; and if the ravages appear while the grub is in the first or 
second year's operation, which can be ascertained by the size, the above method 
of procedure will be still more desirable. 
2 



10 INJUKIOUS INSECTS. 

THE WHEAT MIDGE. 
Cecidonvyia tritici, Kirb. Family, Cecidomyidm. Sub-Order, Diptera. 
TJnlike its near relative the Hessian fly {Cecidomyia destructor), the midge or 
wheat berry fly, is not yet driven from among us, thougli its many insect ene- 
mies have so depleted its numbers, that it no longer fills our agriculturists with 
dark forebodings as to the future of our wheat interests. 

NATURAL HISTOKY. 

The natural history of the midge is as follows: The little orange fly, so 
small as to almost escape notice, appears in June. The eggs are laid on the 
chaff of the berry. Upon hatching, the orange-colored maggot lies between 
the chaff and berry, and by absorbing the juices, ruins the kernel, and thus an 
insignificant larval fly does immense damage. 

REMEDIES. 

This imported enemy, which does no great damage in Europe, because of 
the numerous parasites which prey upon it, is fast losing its terrors here, and 
so I will only mention the very commonly understood preventives: 

If they are troublesome, get the variety of grain which is least affected, and 
then sow fall wheat so early, and spring wheat so late, that the former may 
mature too early to be injured, the latter, too late. 



WIRE-WORM. 

Elater. Family, ElateridcB. Sub-Order, Cokoptera. 
Within a few years, these insects have become quite destructive in our State. 
Complaints have came to me from all points, in reference to injuries done to 
corn and potatoes. 

IfATURAL HISTORY. 

Fig. 6. Wire-worms, the larvas of elater, or spring- 

beetles, usually feed on rotten wood, so that we can 
hardly raise a piece of bark on a decaying log, or 
turn over a rotten log, without finding them. Would that all were content 
with such a diet; but not so, for, as too many know by disheartening exper- 
ience, some of them attack the newly planted potatoes in a perfectly ruinous 
manner, so that to have a crop demands a second planting. Nor do they 
behave better towards the fresh corn plants. These wire-worms are well named, 
as they much resemble in form both a worm and a wire. They Fig. 7. 
have the six usual jointed legs, and thus may be easily told from 
the myriapods, which they somewhat resemble, but which have 
many legs. They work for several years and pupate in an earthen 
cocoon. The beetles (Fig. 7) which come from these grubs, are 
the well-known elaters, or spring beetles, which possess such a 
power of springing up, if, perchance, they fall on their back. 
This habit, no less than their peculiar form, will serve to distin- 
guish them wherever seen. I am not able to state what species 
are injurious when in the larva3 state. 

REMEDIES. 

The same course as that recommended for cut-worms and the white-grub, — 
fall plowing and frequent harrowing, to give the fall and spring birds a good 
chance, will also serve here. In England, where they are greatly troubled with 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 11 

these same or similar insects, it is common to bury potatoes with a long stick 
stuck through them to mark their whereabouts. This is done early, — some 
time before planting. The grubs collect on these to feed, when they are gath- 
ered and destroyed. Gas-lime and salt are also highly recommended by experi- 
enced gardeners of Europe. These are placed with the seed in planting. 



PExV WEEVIL. 

Bnichus pisi,L'mn. FamUy, Bruchidce. Snh-Or der, Coleoptera. 
This little insect, though doing little damage to garden peas, for in green 
peas it is not only too small to essentially change the flavor, but even to attract 
the eye, but in field crops, where peas are raised to feed after they are fully 
matured, there is very serious injury, for this little weevil, so generally distrib- 
uted, and so persistent in its yearly attacks, consumes, while yet a larva, all 
the nutritious material of the pea ; leaving only the germ and a mere shell 
putside. Eence, affected peas will grow, but, of course, with bated vigor ; as 
the needed starch pabulum is wanting in those early days, the precarious time 
with all life; but to feed, they are almost entirely useless. 

NATUKAL HISTORY. 

The little brown weevil, with the wing-covers so short that some light mark- 
FiG. 7. ings, somewhat resembling a letter T, are seen 

just back of them (Fig. 7. — Bruchus jJisi) Linn.), 
comes through the winter in the peas, having a 
little opening (Fig. 7, l), a door of exit, already 
prepared, where they not infrequently remain 
even to the day of sowing. I have seen them 
thick as bees above the ground where peas were 
being sowed. Just as soon as the pods are formed 
and the seeds set within them, the weevil, big 
with eggs, if not with mischievous intent, pierces 
« imago magnified; 6 pea; c natil^ii ^^'^^ , P^^ oppositc cach pea, and inscrts an egg 
size. 'within each puncture, so that every pea may con- 

tain within the seed of its own destruction. The larvae, which soon hatch 
from these eggs, though grubs, being the young of beetles, are legless, and 
hence resemble maggots, — the larvae of two-winged flies, which name is fre- 
quently applied to them. These larvaj find the young tender peas rich feed- 
ing, and by the time the peas are large enough for table use, are sleek and 
plump, and can easily be seen with the naked eye ; and with a glass, their 
good feeding qualities are quickly discerned, as their tender skins seem ready 
to burst. By the time the peas are hard, having already eaten a hole through 
the shell (Fig. 7, h.), thus showing a foresight not rare among insects, they 
assume the pupa state, and change to imagoes before the time for sowing or 
planting the next spring. 

REMEDIES. 

As these insects are in the peas in the winter and in the spring, if the same 
be kept over one year, in perfectly close barrels, bags, cans, or bottles, of course 
the insects thus confined will all die. Hence, if these pea weevils are suf- 
ficiently annoying to cause disturbance, there can be a most effectual estoppel 
put upon their mischief by thus putting all our peas in close vessels, any time 
in the winter, and keeping them thus close for one season. If all would do 
this, — and we must have concerted action in this insect warfare, — we should 




la INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

soon be rid of this enemy. But the evil will he mitigated if we practice the 
above simply as individuals; for if the insects do find their way to our fields 
from those of our careless neighbors, they will doubtless come in far less num- 
bers, and those that do come will very likely be too late to do damage, while 
we may escape entirely. 




TPIE SQUASH BUG. 

Covens tristis, De Getr. Family, Coreulcp, Sub-Order, Uemiptera . 

This old-time enemy is so well known that the figure is all that is necessary 
to bring his image and evil doings to mind. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

"' The squash-bug, in common with all bugs, passes through partial or incom- 
plete transformations, by which we mean that they are quite alike at all stages 
of growth, so that usually, at any stage of growth, the species would be recog- 
nized by even the unskilled in entomology. The larva, unlke the caterpillar, 
the grub, the maggot, is so like the imago that the relation of child and parent 
!FiG. 8. is easily recognized. The mature insect (Fig. 8) hibernates dur- 
ing Avinter, but by the time the melon, squash, or pumpkin vines 
are well np, their dusky forms, ochre yellow beneath, may be seen 
feeding on the leaves by day, and hid under some chiio, clod, or in 
some crevice, by night. Soon the brown eggs are laid in clusters 
glued to the underside of the leaves, and the greenish larvas, which 
soon become grayish, which hatch from these, comiflence a thor- 
ough work of despoilation, in which they are aided by their pa- 
lmare "^ rents, which seem unwilling to die with so much good provision 
at hand. After a time, stubs of wings appear, which, with increased growth, 
is all that serves to distinguish these pupte from their former larval condition. 
Nor can these afford time for quiet, like most pup». 0n the other hand, they 
continue to gorge themselves with the juices which they suck from the plant. 
Soon, they attain full growth, and fully developed wings, and are called imagos. 
These imagos live through the winter and are ready to repeat the same ruinous 
work another season. 

REMEDIES. 

The habit that these squash bugs have of concealment suggests a very prac- 
tical means to capture them, which was tried here at the college the past sea- 
son with perfect success. It is similar to the Eansom process for capturing 
the plum curculio, and consists simply .in placing small pieces, boards, chips, 
or even green leaves on the ground, close around the vines. The bugs appro- 
priate these as hiding places during the night. We may then go around each 
morning, early in the season, before the eggs are laid, and gather and destroy 
the bugs thus concealed, and soon extirpate the cause of the evil. These morn- 
ing visits must be so early that the insects will not have yet left their hiding 
places. If the eggs are laid before we capture the bugs, we should either gather 
the eggs from beneath the leaves, or continue the same process narrated above 
to get rid of the young. 

In all cases where mature insects come forth in the spring, of course in lim- 
ited numbers, as with the potato beetle, the squash bug, etc., we shall save very 
much by early battle ; and if we can persuade our neighbors to engage with 
US, the late battles and the battles of succeeding years will be but skirmishes. 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



13 



SQUASH VINE ROOT BORER. 

Mdittia cucurhikc, Ilarr. Family, Mg&ridm. Sub-Order, Lapidoptera. 

Tlxis insect, a near relative of the peacli-tree borer and currant borer, so 
troublesome along the peach belt, is becoming an evil of considerable magni- 
tude in many parts of our State. It is no new eneniv, having worked in 
Massachusetts and other States east for many years. 

STATURAL HISTORY. 

The moth, which is a beautiful orange, with deep blue wings, in common 
with all of this family, flies during the hottest sunshine, and with great swift- 
ness. She lays her eggs during July and August, on the vine, close to the 
ground. The larva, which would be known as a caterpillar from its possessing 
sixteen legs, bores the base of the stem and roots, and thus entirely destroys 



Fig 




the vines. They pupate in a rough 
cocoon of earth, about the roots. 
Dr. Packard has noticed their form- 
ing their cocoon in the stem. These 
are formed in autumn. The imago 
comes forth the next summer to 
inangarate the same round of ruin. 

EEMEDIES. 

To dig out the borers so soon as 
discovered, is a sure but tedious 
method, and the vines are often ru- 
ined befare the presence of the lar- 
va is discovered. 

It has been recommended to catch 
the moths, also to carefully gather 
the eggs, but I much doubt the 
practicability of these methods, es- 
pecially the latter. It 
is possible, and cer- 
tainly very desirable, 
that we might discover 
some preparation with which to 
surround the vine, that would be 
so obnoxious to the moth as to pre- 
vent egg-laying. Limited trials of 
^as-lime, whale-oil soap, weak solu- 
on of carbolic acid, and other in- 
secticides might be made. It would 
be very well to try the remedy giv- 
en by Secretary i3otGham of Ohio 
to prevent the work of the peach- 
borer, which is given in the de- 
scription of that pest. 



TOMATO WORM. 

Macrosila quinquemaculata , Haw. 
All who grow that beautiful and 
savory vegetable, the tomato, are acquainted with the formidable pest which, 



14 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



unless preyented, too often bring all our hopes of satisfied tomato appetites to 
naught. Who has not seen the beautiful larva, so fat and gay in its robes of 
deepest green, trimmed with yellow or white and beaded with the same, and 
who has not heard of the utterly groundless stories of its fatal horn, whose poi- 
sonous thrust it is said brings pain and death ? 

n;atueal histokt. 
In July, the beautiful large gray moths (Fig. 9) appear, lay their eggs on 
the leaves of the tomato, not refusing potato vines in the absence of tomato 
plants, which they evidently prefer, at which work they may be sef^n early in 
the evening. I have frequently caught these so-called humming-bird moths 
around the tomato plants, or poised above flowers, where, with their long suck- 
ing-tube, they seem engaged in extracting nectar. 



Fig 




The greenish larvse (Fig. 10) 
though they are not infrequently 
dark brown, eat voraciously, grow 
rapidly, and by the last of August 
they have not only stripped the 
plants of their foliage, but have be- 
come full grown, when they meas- 



FiG. 11. 




ure three inches in length. 

They then go into the earth, 
where they pupate in an earthen 
cocoon. The peculiar form of the 
pupa is a marked character of thit 
family (Fig. 11). These brown pu- 
pas may be found in the earth, a 
few inches beneath the surface, until 
the following summer, when the fine moth again comes forth. 

REMEDIES. 

Hand-picking is a quick, easy, and sure preventive. The only objection to 
this, so for as I know, is that it is disagreeable, and sometimes prevented by 
timidity. Yet I presume that a good pair of gloves will insure the temerity 
necessary to its successful practice. As before intimated, the fear is entirely 
groundless, for there are no more harmless creatures in existence. To be sure 
they can give quite a sharp pinch with their strong jaws, which they will 
attempt to do if held, and which I have often experienced while fondling 
them, but this is almost painless and entirely harmless. They never use their 
caudal horn, the supposed weapon of immemorial dread. So hand-picking, 
with or without gloves is entirely safe, and as effectual as safe. Of course the 
disfigured leaves will guide us in our search. 

I have found that skunks are powerful aids in this fight, as they feed exten- 
sively on the pupre. 



CABBAGE CUT-WORMS. 

Agrotis devastator, Harr. 

As a full account of the natural history of the Agrotians has already been 
given in connection with field crops (see page 109), we need say but little of the 
species which is often so ruinous to our cabbage and tomato plants. 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 15 

As will be remembered, the larvae generally lie concealed by day just beneath 
the soil, and come forth, cloaked in darkness, to do their evil work. This is 
not strictly true, as frequently, on cloudy days, their eager appetites, or else an 
innate longing for destruction (for these cut-worms do seem the most totally 
depraved of all insects), impel them f<)rth to work havoc. I have known sixty 
tomato plants cut off between the hours of 3 and 6 P. M. 

Sandy gardens, and those near meadows, pastures, or lawns, where the insects 
have commenced and nearly completed their growth by feeding on the grass 
or its roots, are by far the most liable to attack. 

REMEDIES. 

After the ground is well fitted for the plants, great advantage will result 
from placing newly mown grass, fresh cornstalks, etc., in heaps about the plat. 
Coming to these by night, the larvae will feed and crawl beneath, and may be 
captured and destroyed each morning. I have known large numbers to be 
thus entrapped. Securing those immediately within the ground to be planted, 
however, is not alone sufficient. These larva? have not sixteen legs for nothing, 
and especially is there danger from immigrants if grass is grown contiguous to 
the ground planted. It might be well to continue, in such a case, to place the 
bunches of grass around the border of the planted area, to still attract these 
night marauders. 

Sized paper, such as we usually write on, w'ound closely about the plants, 
and held in place by banking slightly about the base with earth, is a sure pre- 
yentive, as the larv« can not pass up its smooth surface. I have known this 
to be practiced with the happiest results. Care is only necessary that the paper 
may closely encircle the plant, and that the banking be so efficient as to surely 
hold it in place. 

Hand-work, digging out the larvae, is always to be commended. No more 
injury need be expected from these troublesome "worms," if they are once in 
the grasp of an irate gardener, who is disgusted at seeing his plants prostrate 
upon the earth. And it must give rare satisfaction to dig the culprits out from 
beneath the plants which their rapacity has simply cut asunder and left to 
wilt, and aggravate the owner, who had already reckoned up and planned to 
expend the proceeds from the same mutilated plants. 

Here, too, especially on light soils, it will be wise to set a superfluous num- 
ber of plants. 



CABBAGE LEAF-ROLLER. 

Plutella erudftrarum, Faiuily, Toriricidce. Sub-Order, Lepidoptera. 

While treating of cabbage insects, I might describe the cabbage leaf-roller, or 
Cabbage tineid {Plutella crwa/erarwm), which little green "worms," or more 
properly caterpillars, mine the cabbage leaves quite disastrously, and which 
gray moths, with a white stripe along the back, are quite too small to produce 
alarm, and yet are the parents of the same green larvas. But I will only say that 
I have never been troubled with them, nor have I seen much of their work. 
If they are annoying, it would be well to try plaster with a little turpentine 
mixed in, whale-oil soap solution, lime, nor should I fear to experiment with a 
little powdered white hellebore. 



16 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



STRIPED FLEA-BEETLE. 

' Ilaltica striolata, Fabr. Family, Chrysomelidm. Sub-Order, Voleoptera. 
There is a flea-beetle, too {Haltica striolata, Fabr.), which I have found to 
pnncture the leaves of cabbages, and is thus quite destructive to young plants. 
It also works on radishes, turnips, etc. 

XATURAL HISTORY. 

This beetle is of a shining black color, with two waving lines of buff along 
riG.12. the back, one on each side, is very small, less than one-tenth of an inch 
in length, but is so active, briskly leaping away at the least disturbance, 
that though so small it can hardly esca,pe notice (Fig. 12.) These 
beetles often fairly swarm on young plants, and at such times do con- 
'siderable damage. 

REMEDIES. 

In England, where a nearly related beetle has long given annoyance by 
attacking cruciferous plants, lime, soot, and even ashes are recommended as 
securing the plants against the ravages of these pests. I have tried these rem- 
edies, but without perfect success. Still, I think they are to be recommended. 
Anything which promotes vigor of growth is, of course, desirable, for vigorous 
plants are far less liable to suffer destruction. 

By sweeping a fine gauze net over the plants, large numbers of tlie insects 
may be caught and destroyed. 




OTHER CABBAGE MOTHS. 

I might speak of the larvae of various moths which feed on the leaves of the 
cabbage, but as there are none in our State sufficiently numerous, so far as I 
am informed, to do any great damage, and as this report is only to deal with, 
the practical, and as hand-picking is a sure, if it is sometimes a tedious rem- 
edy, in all such cases, I will not delay at this time to go into details as to these 
several species. 



CABBAGE FLY. 



So, too, I might discuss the cabbage 
vaViggot, Antliomyia hrassicoi, Bouche, 
but this, as also the onion maggot 
{A')itho77iyia cejMi'tim, see Fig 13), 
both of which are in our State, are 
so similar to the radish fly and mag- 
got {Antliomyia ra^ihani) that what 
I shall say as to the natural history, 
habits, and remedies of that species, 
will apply to both of the others. 



Fig. 13. 




larva, natural size ; b same magnified ; c imago. 
The lines beneath show the natural size. 



RAPE BUTTERFLY. 

Pieris rapoi, Scbrank. Family, Papilionidm. Sab Order, Lepidoptera. 
In describing the rape butterfly, I shall depart from my usual practice at 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



lY 




this time, and describe un insect not yet among us, for tliough not a practical 
subject with us yet, it is likely soon to be, as this latest arrival from England 
is fast nearing our own beloved State, and without doubt will soon be one of 
the worst pesis of our gardens. What would Ave think of a report of like design, 
to be published in Massachusetts, that should fail to give the fullest practical 
information as to the Colorado potato beetle ? 

HISTORY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

This species, imported from England, was first taken around Quebec, in 
1859, since which time, according to Cana- Ylg- 14. 

dian authorities, it has destroyed annually, <«v /■^ 

about Quebec alone, 1210,000 worth of cab- , 
bages. From thence it has spread rapidly to 
the south and west, and has already reached 
western New York, and perhaps even now is 
entering our own State. 

DESCKIPTION. 

This butterfly is white, spotted with black, 
resembling very much our old speckled white cabbage butterfly {Pieris pro- 
EiG. 15. iodice, Boisd.), though, as will be seen by the 

figures (Fig. 11, male, Fig. 15, female), the 
spots are better defined, while usually there is 
less black. 

This larva3 (Fig. 16, a) is pale green, finely 
dotted with black, and when mature, one and 
one-half inches in length, while the larvaj of 
our old spotted butterfly is blue, striped with 
yellow. 

The chrysalis (Fig. 16, I), which fastens under a board or clod, attaches at 
one end, and fastens a silken band around near the other Fig. 16. 
extremity. It is brown, while the old one is gray. I am thus 
particular in this description,- as it is imperative, that we may 
know the enemy at the first onset, so as to give quick battle. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

These butterflies, like both species of our common white ones, 
are two-brooded. The first butterflies appear early in spring, — 
in April or May. After pairing, the eggs are deposited on the 
under side of the cabbage leaves. These hatch, and the larvaj 
feed on the leaves, assume the chrysalis state, and the imagoes 
come forth again in June or July. The second brood behave 
similarly, except that they remain as pupa or chrysalids through 
the winter. 

EEMEDIES. 

As these butterflies are slow fliers they may be caught in a net, and thus the 
whole evil nipped in the bud. Perhaps it would be well to collect the eggs, — 
the larvae could be picked ofi", — but the easiest method is to make use of their 
habit of pupating beneath a board or other object. . By keeping the cabbage 
patch free from rubbish, which every neat gardener would do any way, and 
then placing boards horizontally above the ground a few inches, ktting them 





a larva ; 6 chrj'salis. 



18 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

rest on banks of earth ; or better, nailing them to perpendicular boards of the 
same width, like a common bench. These, distributed among the cabbages, 
will form a resort for the larv93 in which they will become chrysalids. These 
chrysalids should then be gathered and destroyed. Were these measures to 
be generally adopted, we should make short work of a prospective insect evil 
of the first magnitude. 

The evil from the cabbage butterfly is likely to be greatly mitigated among 
us by a parasite which also pupates in the pupa skin of the butterfly. No 
pupa containing these should be destroyed. 



THE RADISH FLY. 

Anthomyia rapJiani, Haw. Family, Muscidce. Sub-Order, Diptera. 

The various species of this genus are very annoying in our State, and espe- 
cially so on sandy soils. In the spring, when w'e so long for fresh vegetables, 
and feel our mouths fairly water in prospect of the beautiful tender radishes, 
it is almost as disheartening as a bank failure to find that the coveted morsels 
are all ruined by a disgusting maggot. 

NATURAL HISTOET. 

The small, ash-colored flies, very like the onion fly (Fig. 13), doubtless hiber- 
nate, though some may pass the winter as pupte. However this may be, the 
flies are around early in the spring, for our earliest radishes are the ones most 
liable to suffer from attacks. The eggs are laid on the stem close to the ground. 
These soon hatch, and the whitish, footless, conical larvae, very like the onion 
maggot (Fig. 13), feed on the roots, forming grooves all over its surface, which 
induces decay, and renders the roots unfit for use. In June they transform to 
pupse and to imagos, and are ready to make a new deposit of eggs. Hence we 
see why our early radishes are so very liable to attack, while later ones are often 
free from injury; though some years none seem to escape. Whether there are 
more than two broods a year, and whether they attack other plants than rad- 
ishes, are, so far as I know, still open questions. 

REMEDIES. 

The late Dr. Walsh recommended hot water as fatal to these maggots, and 
harmless to the plants. I have tried this with some, though not satisfactory 
success. 

Planting late, or planting on clayey soil, seems advantageous. 

Dr. Fitch recommends wide distance between successive radish beds as ben- 
eficial. My own experience does not sustain this opinion. It is very desirable 
to find some application that will render the young plant obnoxious to the fly, 
thus preventing egg-laying, and yet be harmless to the plant. Who will dis- 
cover such a compound ? These same remarks will apply equally well to the 
onion and cabbage maggots. 



BLISTER BEETLES. 

Lytta dnerea,'Fd.hv.,ixn(\. Ly tta attrata, Fdhr. Family, i/e'ciio?. Sub-Order, Cofcc^to-a. 
These soft-shell, long-necked, trim beetles, the one ash-colored (Fig. 17, a), 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



19 



the other coal-black (Fig. 17, I), are frequently very injurious to various veg- 
etables and flowers. They some- Fig. 17. 
times attack beans aud asters, and 
make quick work of whatever falls 
a prey to their voracious habits. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

The larval condition of these 




beetles has been unknown or in- 
volved in doubt. It is supposed 
that they feed on the roots of grass 
and other plants. 

The beetles appear in early sum- ^ ^ale and female antennje otb;d same of a 

mer and in autumn, and are very voracious feeders. 

REMEDIES. 

These beetles have the habit of falling off of the plants whenever the latter 
are suddenly jarred, so in case the plants are tall enough to receive a sheet be- 
neath, or can be bent over an umbrella, the beetles may be readily gathered, 
and then destroyed by scalding or crushing. 



Fig. 18. 




THE STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE. 

Diabrotica tittata, Fabr. Family, CJirysomelidce, Sub-Order, Coleopiera. 

This beautiful little beetle, yellow with black stripes (Fig. 18), 
which seems suddenly to fairly swarm on the cucumber and melon 
vines, is often the cause of great vexation to the gardener. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

The larvffi (1, Fig. 18) feed on the roots and underground stems, mature in 
about a month, pupate in the ground, in which state Fig. 18. 

they continue about two weeks, when the images ap- 
pear. There are two broods a year, and may be three. 
It passes the winter in the pupa state. The first im- 
agos of the season attack the young vines, and in a 
single day may destroy them utterly. The later in- 
sects do not do so much damage, as the vines, from 
increased growth, are able to stand the attack. 

REMEDIES. 

Boxes covered with glass or millinet and placed , 
over the vines are sure protection, providing the bee- 
tles do not get inside. If glass is used, care must be 
taken to shade from the hot sunshine, or the plants 
may be ruined. These will form miniature hot-beds, 
and will hasten growth if rightly managed. 

Paris green is a certain preventive, and in careful 
hands is harmless to the vines. I have used this remedy with the very best 
success. I would put one part green to six parts flour, apply when the vines 
are dry, and add just as little as I could and see it on the vines. Add a little 
too much, and the vines are sure to be killed. 



I 



20 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 




THE CODLING MOTH. 

Carpocapsa pomoncUa. Linn. Family, TortricidcK. Sulj-Order, Lepidopt-era. 
All will coticede that this insect holds first rank among our insect pests. 

NATUEAL niSTOKY. 

The little gray moths (Fig. 16,/ and ^) come forth in May and June, are 
Fig. 19. wholly nocturnal, and therefore seldom 

seen, jis soon as the fruit forms, a single 
egg is laid on the blossom end of the fruit 
(Fig 19, I) and as soon as the Q^g hatches 
the larva (Fig. 19, e) enters the apple. All 
know the subsequent history of the larva 
in the fruit, for who has not seen the tiny 
white caterpillar, with its black head, min- 
ing away at the rich pulp, which it re- 
places with filth ? In three weeks the lar- 
va matures, leaves the apple, and in some 
concealed place spins a silken cocoon (Fig. 
19, i) and assumes the chrysalis state (Fig. 
19, ct). In from nine to fifteen days, vary- 
ing w'ith the temperature, the moth issues. 
The apples are again stocked with eggs as 
before, after which comes a recurrence of 

G work in apple: 5 place of ontranco: f^piipa; J,]] n „ fliscnQJ inp- W^nrk mri-itpd nbnvp 
e larva; /and!/ images; A head of larva; i CO- '^^^ ''"^ UlbgUbliUg WUIK uaUdLtU auove, 

coon- except that the larvae, upon leaving the 

apple, simply spin cocoons, in which they remain till spring, when they pu- 
pate ; and in about two weeks the first moths appear. 

The time when the first moths come forth varies from May 1 till July 1 ; 
so that moths will be issuing from May 1 till August 1, and the " worms" will 
be leaving the apples from the last of June till the fruit is gathered. My own 
experience seems to show that no i^upas are formed after the last week of 
August, as, so far as I have examined, all larvae that leave the apple after that 
time simply spin a cocoon, in which they remain in larvse till the next spring. 
Some of the observing fruit men of our State think that during the past sea- 
.son many of these insects pupated after that time. Such cases come not with- 
in my observation. 

Of those larva! which leave the apple while it still hangs in the tree, about 
•one half crawl down, till beneath some bark or in some crevice they find seclu- 
sion in which to spin unobserved. Those which fall to the ground with the 
fruit crawl out ; and if the ground is free- from all rubbish, stumps, etc., they 
crawl up the tree and hide as before. 

KEMEDIES. 

Place around the trunk of every bearing tree, midway between the ground 
and branches, a woolen cloth about five inches wide, and sufficiently long to 
pass around and lap enough to tack. This may be fastened with one or two 
tacks. I have usually found one placed in the middle to be quite sufficient. 
The tack should not be driven quite up to the head. Before the cloth band is 
adjusted the loose bark should be scraped oflF. This may be done earlier in the 
season, when time will best permit. The bands should be adjusted by June 
20. Under these bands the " worms" will secrete themselves. By July 7 the 
bands around the earliest apple-trees should be unwound and examined, and 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



21 



the larva3 destroyed. This can be done by passing the bands throngh a 
wringer, or by unwinding and crushing with the thumb. I have found this 
last method the best. Every ten days after the first round — every nine days 
if the weather is dry and warm — this work should be repeated, till the last' 
week of August, and again at the close of the season after the fruit is gath- 
ered. A common carpet-tack hammer, with a good claw, suspended around 
the neck by a cord, will be found an advantage. 

Many apples will be carried to the cellar with the larv?o still in them. These 
larva3, unless destroyed, will go through their changes. Hence, all barrels, bins, 
and boxes in the cellar should be examined. In knocking a box to pieces a few 
days ago (March 13), procured from a neighbor's cellar, I found over 100 lar- 
\se concealed where the boards were nailed, together. These were placed in a 
box, and all but two again spun cocoons. As we cannot hope to find nearly 
all of these, it would be well if the apple cellar were so arranged as to preclude 
the moths from issuing forth. It would be excellent policy to have our cellars 
so close that not a moth could escape in May and June. Were all cellars so 
•fixed this spring it would be a great benefit, for I can find no live larvte out in 
the orchards. In examining an orchard last week (April 27) I found over 
100 cocoons. From more than one-third of these the insects had been taken, 
by the sap-sucker {Pimis villosus), while all the others, either from cold or 
some other cause were dead. I never saw such codling moth mortality before 
this spring. Fires and jars of sweetened water will have no effect in destroy- 
ing these moths, as I have proved that neither attract them. Hogs turned 
into the orchard are but a partial remedy, as at least half of the larvre never 
go to the ffround at all. 



OLD APPLE-TREE BORER. 

Saperda Candida, Fab. Family Cerambycidce. Sub-Order Coleoptera. 
This pest, which has been so long in our country, is widely distributed in 
our State. Very few if any orchards are exempt from its attacks. Not that it 
always, or generally, totally destroys the trees; still, those suffering from its 
attacks are always lessened in vitality, and it not unfrequently happens that 
the trunks become so riddled with their tunnels that the tree becomes a prey 
to the hard winds, which are sure to come with each returning vear. 



The beautiful brown 



STATURAL HISTORY. 

beetle (Fig. 20, c), with its two stripes of Avhite, 

appears early in June, 



Fig. 20. 



and thence on through 
July. So the egg- 
laying is principally 
done in these two 
months. The grub 
(Fig. 20, a), whitish 
^\\i\\ a round black 
head, eats through the 
bark, and then usually 
passes in and up, fre- 
quently eating 
through the branches far out towards the extremity. I have frequently found 






23 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

apple-tree limbs no larger than my thumb, Avith a tunnel as large as a pipe- 
stem. These larvre push their sawdust-like particles back of them and out of 
the hole where they first entered, so that it is not difficult to find them. They 
live and feed on the w'ood of the tree for three years; hence we see how that a 
single larvae may bore, if left undisturbed, for a distance of several feet. They 
finally bore a hole for exit, fill it slightly "with their sawdust, and a little back 
of the same make a cocoon of their own chips, in "which they pupate (Fig. 20, 
b). Soon after, in June and July, the beetles again appear. 

EEMEDIES. 

Soapy mixtures are found to be obnoxious to these beetles, so that in their 
egg-laying they are found to avoid trees to which such an application has been 
made. Thus we may hope to escape all danger by washing the smooth trunks 
of our trees early in June, and again early in July, with soft soap or a very 
strong solution of the same. T. T. Lyon, now of South Haven, whose judg- 
ment is very reliable in such matters, urges that we always use the soap itself. 

We should always examine the trees carefully in September, and W'herever 
•we find this pernicious grub's sawdust shingle out, we should give him a call. 
Perhaps we may reach him "with a "wire thrust into the hole, and by a vigorous 
ramming crush the culprit. If we have doubts as to the crushing, "we should 
follow him "with a knife ; but in cutting out the borers, too great care cannot 
be taken to wound the tree just as little as possible. This heroic method is 
sure, and requires very little time, and no person who takes pride in his orchard, 
or looks to it as a source of profit, can afford to neglect this September exam- 
ination, nor the previous application of soap to which it is supplementary. 



THE FLAT-HEADED BORER. 
Chrysobothris femorata, Fab. Family, Buprestidce. Sub-Order, Hemiptera. 

At present this borer is quite as ruinous in our State as the preceding one, 
and 1 should not think it strange if in a well balanced account it was found 
even to surpass the other in the evil which it works to our fruit interests. I 
have seen young orchards nearly ruined the first summer after setting, by this 
devastator. Not long since a nurseryman came from a distant part of the 
State to consult me as to the ravages of this pest. He said that during the 
past summer, in some regions of the State, more than half the trees he sold 
"were killed by this scourge, and of course he was unjustly blamed. At present, 
no nurseryman should sell trees without throwing in advice in regard to pro- 
tecting against this devastator; for, as we shall see, such trees are j^eculiarly 
liable to attack. 

These borers are not confined to the apple-trees, as I have found them work- 
ing in oak, maple, and other trees of our forests. 

KATURAL HISTORY. 

This brownish beetle (Fig 21), W'ith a coppery luster, is found from May till 
August, though I have found them more common in June and July. Fig. 21. 
As with the striped Saperda, the eggs are laid on the bark. The 
whitish grubs (Fig. 22), with their enormous front, brown head, and 
curled tail, usually bore only superficially, eating the inner bark and 
sap-wood; yet I have seen, and have now on exhibition here at the 
college, sections of young trees over an inch in diameter, bored com- 
pletely through by these big-headed rascals. They eat but a single 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



23 




season, pupate as in tlie preceding case, and come forth as iniagos early in the 
spring. 

They usually work on the trunk, though sometimes in the branches, almost 
Fig. 22. always on the south, the west, or the southwest sides of the tree; 
and their whereabouts may always be ascertained, not only by the 
sawdust, but also, and more certainly, by the black color of the 
bark. When the black color offers the suggestion of the presence 
of this borer, we can quickly become assured by striking a knife 
into the same. If the blade pierces the bark and goes on still a 
little further, we may be sure of the enemy's presence. 
This borer is far more liable to attack feeble trees. Anything, therefore, 
which serves to diminish the vitality of the trees, promotes the ravages of this 
borer. Hence, after such a winter as we have just experienced, or after having 
the growth of our trees interrupted by the removal from the nursery to our 
orchards, we are in special danger of harm from these destructive borers. 
Hence, the coming season, when loss will be inevitable, we should more than 
"ever be on the alert to mitigate the damage by our vigilance and care, and by 
the timely application of 

REMEDIES. 

The remedies for the flat-headed borer are the same as those given for the 
old borer, — soap in June and July, and a knife in September, — though these 
grubs may be found in July and August, and to delay the cutting out till Sep- 
tember would often be fatal, especially to trees in newly set orchards. I have 
known cases where labor of this kind in July would have paid more than $100 
a dav, besides saving a great amount of vexation. 



APPLE-TREE BARK LOUSE. 

Mytilaspis concMformis , Gmelin. Family, Coccidm. Sub-Order, Eemiptera. 

This old enemy, though less destructive than formerly (probably because of 
parasites and mites which prey upon it, so that, like the Hessian fly, wheat 
midge, and many other insects, it has probably done its worst work), yet, to 
leave it to itself at the present time would be to yield the strife prematurely. 

XATURAL HISTOKT. 

The bark-colored, oblong scales (Fig. 23), so harmless in appearance, serve 
from August to May only for protection Fig. 23. 

to the 60 or 70 wee white eggs (1, Fig. 24) 
which are found underneath. About the 
first of June the young lice (2, Fig. 24) 
appear, — so small that, though clad in 
yellow, they can hardly be seen without a glass. Coming forth from under the 
scale, they roam about for a few days, — are sometimes blown to other trees, 
thus spreading their evil work, — but very soon settle down to earnest business. 
This consists in inserting their tiny beak and sucking the vitality from the 
trees. Very soon a scale (3, 4, 5, and 6, Fig. 24, different stages of develop- 
ment of scale) commences to form around them, from an exudation which is 
a secretion from the general surfiice. By August the impervious scale is 
complete (7, Fig. 24,). The eggs are then soon deposited, and the parent louse 




24 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 




dries up and shrinks Fig. 24. 

away to nothingness. 

EEMEDIES. 

As the scale is im- 
pervious to most fluids, 
though oils will pene- 
trate it and destroy the 
eggs, the best time to 
fight these insects 
just after the eggs -f^ 
hatch. At this time, 
soft soap or strong soap 
suds are sure death to the young lice. Hence, the trees should be washed the 
first week of June wiih soft soap, not only making the application to the trnnk, . 
but also to the main brcinches and limbs so far as possible. 

IMPORTANT FACT. 

We thus see that an application of soft soap to our apple trees, made the' 
first week of June, is of exceeding value. It not only exterminates the sap- 
pers (bark lice), but banishes the miners (borers). W-e thus understand why 
our fruit trees which are thus treated seem fairly to laugh, as if grateful for 
such timely aid in banishing their enemies. I have no hesitation in affirming 
that the apple-grower will find the above one of the most paying operations 
that he can undertake in his orchard. Lst all, then, scrape their trees early in 
spring, apply soft soap — not lye — the first of June, and again the first of July,- 
not forgetting to adjust cloth bands by the last of June. 



TWIG-BORERS. 

BostricJiUs bicxndatus, Say. Family, Ptinidce. Sub-Order, Coleoptera. 

It will have been noticed during the past summer, that in very many portions of 
our State the twigs of the fruit trees, especially apple and pear trees, would 
wilt, die, and often break off. This is caused by two insects: the twig-borer,. 
named above, and even more by the insect to be next mentioned. 

HABITS. 

The twig-borer does not borj as a larvas, as do most beetles, but the imago 
Fig. 25. or mature insect, in this case, does the damage. Both males and 
females are found in about equal proportions in the twigs. The 
J beetles are small, dark brawn, and the males can easily be told 
Ifrom the females by their bodies terminating in small spines (Fig. 
25). 
Male. They bore into a twig just above a bud (Fig. 2G, c), and work 




Female. 



down through the pith for two inches, thus 
causing the branch or twig to wither and 
die. The tunnel (Fig. 2G, d) is about the 
size of a large knitting needle. 

EEMEDIES. 

Cut off the twigs as soon as noticed and 
burn them. 



Fig. 26. 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



25 




TWIG-PRUNER. 

Elaphidium pa)'aUelu7n,'Nev{m, Family, Cerambysidce. Snh-Order, Coleoptera. 
During the past season there has been very general complaint throughout 
the State of limbs of apple, pear, and plum trees dying and falling off. From 
branches sent me by John Suttle of Grand Eapids, Mr. Sneathan, South Bos- 
ton, and otliers, I have bred the above named insect. 

XATUKAL HISTORY. 

In spring, the brown beetle, well covered with yellowish hairs, with trim 
Fig. 27. body and graceful antennae (Fig. 27, c), lays its 

eggs. These are placed in the axle of the 
leaves, usually in small twigs near the extrem- 
ity of the limbs. Upon hatching, the grub 
(Fig. 27, a) bores into the twig and on towards 
the body of the tree. In. July the limbs will 
show disease. The larvse mature in the fall, so 
cut the limb that it may be easily broken, and 
assume the pupa state in the burrow (Fig. 27,^). 
These branches are quite apt to be carried to the ground by the autumn winds. 
During the winter or early spring the insect changes to the mature state, 
though in our warm rooms this may occur in mid-winter; and thus the beetle 
is ready to commence another season's operations. 

This insect, in its, size, habits, and appearance, bears a very striking resem- 
blance to the oak-pruner {E. villosus, Fab.), so long and so well known in our 
State. 

REMEDIES. 

The remedies are the same as for the twig-borer, though there is not the 
same danger in delay as with the former. If it were really known that the 
offenders were the pruners, and this can be easily determined by breaking open 
a twig during the summer when first attacked, — if the beetle is found it is the 
twig-borer, if a "worm" it is the pruncr, — we might delay action till fall and 
be sure to get them. But it would be safest to cut and burn the twig so soon 
as it gave indication of the destroyer. In this course we should be sure to nip 
both evils, and so nearly in the bud that very much less damage will ensue, in 
case of the pruner, than though we delay operations till autumn, when our 
labor will only be repaid by lessening the danger for the next year. We must 
not confound with the work of these borers the twig blight, which is doing 
great damage in our State and Canada the present season. This blight, which 
bids fair to be a serious plague, may be readily distinguished, as the closest 
scrutiny shows no marks of an insect. 



CANKER WORM. 

Anisopteryx vernata, Peck. Family, Phalcenida;. Sub-Order, Lepidoptera. 

This insect has a curious history in our State ; for though it has made its 

appearance several times, once in Calhoun county, again in Genesee county and 

in other places, for the past two or three years near Commerce, Oakland 

county, and just now near Fontiac, of the same county,* still it has never 

* Mr. M. W. Gray, near Pontiac, has jnst s^ent me Pome veritable cnnker wornn.=, with the remark that his 
orchard is tufl'eriiig ."evercly, and that his iieisbbors are very auxiou?. Still later, I received specimens of 
this same insect, sent by H. P. HarMs of Adrian to Mr. Chas. Belts, ihe-able agricultural editor of theDetroifc 
Tribune, who turwarded tliem, tosether with Mr. Harris' letter, to me. The insects come from the orchard 
of Mr. K. M. Bally, and arc accompanied by the usual story of despoliation and rain. 



20 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



seemed to hold ou; for, after destroying a few orchards, it seems to succumb 
to natural enemies, or unpropitious circumstances, and ceases to cause even 
anxiety. That it will be but a temporary evil among us is perhaps asserting 
too much, yet I think it a plausible supposition ; and it is certainly earnestly 
to be hoped. Our New England friends have had to fight this insect for many 
years, and it seems no less a pest to-day than ever before, except as a better 
knowledge of its habits makes it easier to ward off its injuries. 

NATUEAL HISTOKT. 

The wingless female moth (Fig. 28,5), and the trim male (Fig. 28, a), with 
his ample wings, both gray or ash color, 
the female being a little the darker, come 
forth from the ground early in the spring : 
I have often seen the males during warm 
winter days. The female crawls up the, 
trunks of the apple-trees, and after meet- 
ing the male, lays her cluster of eggs (Fig. 
29, h), often to the number of one hun- 
dred. If the female fjiils for any reason to gain acces to the tree, she fastens 




Fig. 29. 




these egg clusters to any convenient object. I have 
often seen them in Cambridge, Massachusetts, fast- 
ened to the pickets or boards of fences. After egg- 
laying these insects soon die. Just as the leaves begin 
to burst forth, the larvre (Fig. 29, a) begin to come 
forth. The larvae (Fig. 29, a) vary very much in color. 
At first they are very dark, with faint yellowish stripes. 
When full-grown they are striped with ash color, black, 
and yellow, and are about one inch in length. These larvse belong to the loop- 
ers, or measuring worms, both names referring to their peculiar method of 
locomotion. They do not have the usual number of legs for caterpillars (16), 
but must be content with only ten. Hence their looping gait. They are also 
called drop worms, because of the habit of swinging from the tree by a thread 
■when disturbed, or when they desire to go to the ground to pupate. As they 
are often seen thus suspended, it has been supposed that they frequently swing 
just for the pleasure of the thing. It may be that some disturbing wind or 
bird induced this strange manoeuvre. 

About the middle of June the larvse are full fed, the tree fully denuded of its 
foliage, and that, too, at the worst possible time, the growing season, when 
the " worms" make for the ground, some creeping down the trunk, others 
dropping down by a silken thread spun for the purpose. Upon reaching the 
ground they burrow to the depth of four or five inches, and in an earthen 
cocoon change to pupae. The chrysalis is of a light brown color, and smaller 
for male than for female. 

This destructive insect is not content to injure the apple-tree alone, but is 
equally ready to attack the elm, and not infrequently attacks cherry, plum, 
and other fruit and forest trees. 

KEMEDIE8. 

As prevention is better than cure, we ought, of course, whenever possible, 
to keep injurious insects from even gaining a foothold ; and the wingless con- 
dition of this female moth permits us to accomplish this, as she must ascend 
the tree in order to work injury. Any substance which prevents this will pre- 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 21 

vent the defoliation. The old method so long practiced in New England is to 
closely surround the tree with paper bands, say eight inches wide, and besmear 
the bands with tar or printer's ink. This gives the trees a forbidding appear- 
ance, and necessitates renewed application of the adhesive substance so fre- 
quently as to be sure that we entrap the moth as she attempts to pass up the 
tree. Dr. Le Baron suggests a neater and, he says, an effectual remedy. He 
would place an inch rope closely around the tree, letting it lap a little so as to 
be sure to entirely surround the tree. Then tack the rope to the tree at each 
end. Now take a strip of tin, say five inches wide, place it around over the 
rope so that the rope shall be just in the middle of the tin; lap this a little 
and tack to the rope. It is said that the female moths, coming up to the rope 
and being unable to crawl through under the tin, will crawl around and get on 
to the tin, but that they will never get from the tin to the tree again. Upon 
reaching the top of the tin they pass round and round, not knowing that they 
can pass down and thus gain their desired end. Like turkeys entrapped in a 
pen whose only exit is through a hole beneath the earth's level, they are balked 
through sheer stupidity. In this case the moths will doubtless lay eggs around 
and below the tins. These can be destroyed by using kerosene oil. This, 
turned upon the eggs, destroys them. Eggs laid in close proximity to the trees 
or wherever seen, can be destroyed in the same way. 

If the moths once gain access to the tree, and the larvse commence their 
work of despoliation, we can take advantage of their dropping propensity and 
destroy them. Place a little straw under the tree, not sufficient to injure it 
when burned. Then jar the tree, and as the larvae swing down by their threads 
bring them upon the straw by sweeping the threads with a pole, then set fire 
to the straw, and we are rid of the pests. The only trouble will be to be sure 
to make them drop. To be complete, this will need cautious pains. During 
the past year syringing the trees with a mixture of Paris green and water was 
tried with marked success in Illinois, and is highly recommended by those 
who tried it. 

Though the neighbors of people with affected orchards may take satisfac- 
tion in the prospect of a speedy leave-taking of this terrible scourge, still those 
who have orchards attacked will find that persistent effort in the line marked 
out above will be the price of their orchards, as two or three years at most will 
ntterly ruin the trees. But this price is not very exorbitant, as the labor is 
not very great, does not last very long, and is most effectual when applied in 
the least busy season of all the year. 



TENT CATERPILLAR. 

Clisioeampa Americana, Harr. Family, Bombycidce. Sub-Order, Lepidopiera. 

These familiar insects, so sure to fix their silken tents within our trees, come 
just at the right time to do the greatest harm, and should never be left to their 
miserable work of despoliation. 

JS^^ATUEAL HISTORY. 

These pretty moths (Fig. 30), brown in color, the female a little lighter and 
larger than the male, with two light bands running obliquely across the fore 
wings, appear in June and July. For the past four years I have taken the first of 
these during the first week of July, and those reared in confinement came 
forth at the same time. These moths, unlike the codling moth, are attracted 
by lights, and very frequently fly into our rooms during our warm Judy eve- 



28 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



nings. After pairing, the female motlis lay iheir eggs (c, Fig. 30) in a compact 
cluster about the small twigs, covering them with a glistening glue, so that 
they are impervious to water. These eggs, — 300 or 400 in a cluster, — batch 
just as the leaves of the apple and cheiry are putting forth, on both of which 
trees they are wont to engage in their ruinous woik, seeming rather to prefer 
the wild cherry. They immediately weave their tents, and become conspicuous 
objects in the orchard. They remain huddled in these tents except when going 
forth to feed. They are quite regular in taking their meals, and usually all go 
forth at once. These larvge or caterpillars {a Fig. 30), variously striped with 
white, yellow, black, and blue, are very handsome, feed voraciously, so that by 
the middle of June they are not only matured in size, — being now two inches 
in length, — but have managed to strip the trees pretty thoroughly of their 
leaves. They then disperse, seeking in all directions for some crevice in which 
they may form their closely woven cocoons undistuibed and unseen. They 

Fig. 30. 





pupate almost immediately. In about two weeks they come forth as moths. 
And thus, the cycle of growth and change completed, the moth sallies forth 
to again prepare for future evil. 

REMEDIES. 

Let no one think, because these pests have been neglected in the past and 
their trees still live, that such neglect is in the least wise; and if such lose 
their orchards because of the severe cold of the past winter, let them blame 
only themselves. No tree can receive such shocks without materially lessening 
their vitality, and though they may not die outright, the seeds of premature 
death are sown, and the power to survive severe winters or continuous drouths 
is materially weakened. 

It is often recommended to examine the trees on sunshiny days of winter 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



29 



and spring, wbeu the glistening egg clusters will catch the eye, and may be 
gathered and destroyed. Yet 1 doubt if this will prove best. It takes too long 
to find them, even on bright days, and even then many will be missed. Be- 
sides, much time will be spent in seeking in trees where no clusters exist. 

I think the best method is to destroy the young larvte so soon as the tents 
appear in the trees, and before any harm is done. At this time they are easily 
found, and none need be missed. If this is done when the larvse are not feed- 
ing, they will all be compactly clustered in the tent, and can be quickly dis- 
patched. There are various methods by which to accomplish the slaughter. 
I think the safest and perhaps the best is to crush them with the hand. This 
may not be exactly to the taste, but with an old pair of gloves, the delicacy, I 
think, will be but transient. Another method is to put a light charge of pow- 
der into a gun, and, holding the muzzle immediately against the tent, discharge 
the piece. This requires much caution or the tree will be injured. Another 
method is to burn them with a torch fastened to a long pole; and still another 
to kill them by an application of strong soapsuds, or a weak solution of pe- 
troleun), applied with a swab, on a long pole. The objection to all these last 
is the danger of not being thorough, and of injuring the trees. 

A year or two since 1 gave before the State Pomological Society Dr. Fitch's 
suggestion, to set wild cherry trees around the orchard. These would attract 
the insects, and, all being in a few trees, could be more easily destroyed. The 
idea was generally denounced by those present, but close attention since that 
time has confirmed me in the opinion that the idea is a good one. The insects 
will attack something, and preferring the cherry leaves, will take those in 
preference. Thus they are drawn from the orchard, and in case of neglect 
will leave our more valuable trees uninjured; and if killed, as they should be, 
it can be done in the more confined space far more quickly. 

Last summer I observed a large orchard where, in the surrounding fence 
corners, were about a dozen cherry trees. These were fall of tents, while the 
orchard was almost entirely free. Other orchards within a mile were great 
sufferers. 



FALL WEB-WORM. 
ntfphantria textor, Harr. Family, BomhydcM. Sub-Order, Lepidopiera. 
The habits of these insects are in some respeots like those of the preceding, and 
it is doubtless this fact that has led some able fruit men to believe what is entirely 
erroneous, that the tent caterpillar is double-brooded. These fall web worms, 
though unsightly, are far from being as destructive as the tent caterpillar. The 
Fig. 31. leaves, at the time of their arrival, have 

so far performed their mission, that for 
the tree to be robbed of them is not gen- 
erally fatal, though of course the condition 
of the tree is enleebled. 

These insects differ farther from the 
tent caterpillar in being indiscriminate 
feeders. Nearly every variety of tree has 
to contribute to their support. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

The beautiful white moths (Fig. 31, c) 
lay their eggs in clusters u[ion the leaves. 
These hatch in July and August, when the larvaB (Fig. 31, a) immediately spin 
their web and feed in companies, though instead of euiiiig the entire leaf they only 




ao 



INJURIOUS INSECTS, 



feed on the upper skiu and pnlp. They thns continue, spreading their unsight- 
ly webs, eating the leaves, till full grown, when they are an inch in length. 
These little " worms" are very beautiful, being striped with yellow and black, 
and dotted with orange. In September and October they descend from the 
tree, and in the ground or some crevice spin very thin cocoons in which the 
pupa (Fig. 31, b) soon appears. It remains thus till the next June, when the 
beautiful white, immaculate moth, expanding a little over an inch, appears. 

EEMEDIES. 

These must needs be destroyed in the larva? state, and the same methods 
may be employed as those given for conquering the tent caterpillar. As they 
always feed in their webs, sometimes we may safely and wisely cut the limb off 
on which they have spread their web. Of course we should commence opera- 
tions as soon as the insects do, as shown by the newly formed webs. 



PLANT LICE. 
Aphides. Family, Aphidce. Sub-Order, Hemiptera. 
As plant lice, some species of which attack nearly every kind of plant, are 
so preyed upon by natural enemies that they are of little importance as ene- 
mies to out-door plants, I shall not discuss them in detail, only remarking 
that tobacco water, whale oil soap solution, or a weak solution of petroleum, 
will destroy them. Care is requisite in using the last, or the plants will be 
destroyed. Ants in trees are almost certain evidence of the presence of the 
lice, the ants being present to sip the sweets which exude from the lice. 



PLUM CURCULIO. 

CanotracJielus nenuphar, Herbst. Faruily, Curculionida. Sub-Order, Coleoptera. 
This little beetle, though so small, certainly ranks very high as an orchard 
pest. It is he that has almost banished plum culture in our State. It is he 
that ruins our cherries, often by wholesale. It is he that has a tooth for the 
luscious peach ; and unless prevented, materially lessens the profits. And even 
our king of fruits, the apple, is frequently made to contribute to the support 
of the little Turk. His presence in wind-fall apples has misled some good 
observers into thinking that the codling-moth larvae had Avorked slightly on 
the apple and then left it. If this report could induce the restoration of plum 
culture in our State, by showing how easily we can secure our crops, it would 
pay its cost a million times over. 

HABITS. 

The curculio (Fig. 32, c) hibernates during the winter in the mature state. 



In early spring, and even later, he lies concealed 
by day under boards, clods, etc. This weevil is 
nocturnal, being active at night. So soon as our 
plums, peaches, and cherries set, the curculio, a 
little brown beetle, commences operations, im- 
printing the familiar crescent (Fig. 33, d) and 
placing an egg inside. This egg-laying continues 
even to July. As the weather becomes warmer 
the insect forsakes its habit of going down to the 
ground by day to hide, but remains in the tree. 
These beetles are not solely engaged in pairing 
and egg-laying, for they are good feeders and 
gouge out many a hole in our fruits to satisfy 



Fig 




ESfJURIOUS INSECTS. 31 

their appetites. The eggs soon hatch, when the young larva) bore into the 
fruit and continue to eat. As these are sometimes, though quite rarely, found 
in apples, I would state that- they can be easily told from the codling moth 
larvae, as they are without legs, thus resembling maggots. They grow rapidly 
to maturity (Fig. 32, a), thus causing plums, apples, and peaches to fall pre- 
maturely, though cherries usually remain on the tree. The earliest larva) are 
ready to go into the ground and pupate (Fig. 32, b) by the last of June. As 
egg- laying goes on even till July, it will readily be seen that larva) will be found 
in the fruit all through the summer, and I have found them in peaches even 
in September. x\ll of these pupae change into mature insects during summer 
and autumn, so the insects all pass the winter as mature beetles, concealed 
either under boards, or in crevices, or even in the ground. In May they com- 
mence coming forth, and continue to put in an appearance even to mid-sum- 
mer. We see, then, that the old disputed question is settled, — that these insects 
are singled brooded, and that the old notion that they were double brooded, 
arose from the fact that some are so early, while others are very tardy in com- 
ing from their winter retreat; though it maybe that those insects that appear 
so late in our orchards come from other orchards, or even from the forests. 

As was said above, these insects are nocturnal, though they will fly in the 
hot sunshine. Yet they will fly more freely at night, and seem far less timid. 

It is a fortunate peculiarity of this beetle to fall from the tree if it is sud- 
denly jarred. In this condition, when it seems to contract itself to the ut- 
most, it has been compared not inaptly to a dried bud. 

REMEDIES. 

Of late the Eansom process, invented by Mr. Eansom of St. Joseph, has 
been largely practiced, and has given great satisfaction. It takes advantage of 
the habit of the insect, early in the season, to hide by day, and consists in 
keeping the ground beneath and around the trees perfectly clean, and so thor- 
oughly cultivated that it will be perfectly smooth, and placing chips or boards 
on the ground close about the tree. Mr. Eansom preferred oak bark : pieces 
of shingles would do. If bark is used the outside should be placed up, and 
whatever is used, the lower side should be entirely smooth. Three pieces, each 
the size of the hand, will be quite suflBcient for each tree, and may be placed 
equally distant from each other, close about the base of the trunk. Early in 
May the beetles will commence to hide under these pieces. So soon as they 
are found to collect they should be gathered daily, and thence on so long as 
they are found, even to July. Mr. Dyckman, who claims that this method 
saves him three hundred dollars annually, in protecting his peach orchard, 
pursues the following method in gathering the insects. He hires boys to visit 
the chips daily, taking the curculios in their fingers and putting them in bot- 
tles, counting them as they are dropped in the bottles. He then pays them 
according to the number collected. This makes the boys active, and ensures 
the destruction of the insects. 

Later in the season, it will be remembered, the insects do not go down to 
hide. Yet Mr. Eansom claims that the chip trap can still be made effectual, 
and cheaper than any other plan, by the following additional labor. Early in 
the day, pass through the orchard with a mallet, and give each bearing tree a 
smart blow. This will cause the insects to fall to the ground, when they will 
hide as before, and can be gathered into the bottles as before. The taking the 
insects from under the chips should not be delayed too long, as towards night 



32 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



they commence going into the tree to be in good time for their rascally night 
work. 

While Mr. Eansom claims, au'l with reason, that the above method is all 
that is required, still some of our fruit men claim that this process must be 
supplemented late in the season by the older and more expensive method of 
jarring the insects on to a sheet. This consists in passing through the orchard, 
morning or evening, placing under each tree a sheet, and then giving the 
tree a sharp blow with a mallet, whereupon the insects will full upon the sheet 
and can be gathered and destroyed. 

The sheet had best be fastened to a frame in the shape of an inverted umbrella. 



Fig 



and carried on one or two wheels 
(Fig. 33), if it is to be used exten- 
sively. A slit in the front, opposite 
the handles, allows the sheet to be 
brought under the tree. The size 
of the wheels and the sheet can be 
adjusted to suit the ideas of the or- 
chardist, and the size of his trees. 
If there are but few trees, the sheet 
can be tacked to a frame and carried 
y two persons. The mallet should 
be of rubber, so as not to mar the 
trees, though some saw off a limb 
or drive in a spike, in which case 
the blow will cause no injury to tlie 
tree. Some prefer to bump the 
trees with the vehicle which carries 
the sheet. In this case the vehicle 
must be strong, and the spike should 
be driven so that it will not permit 
the tree to be struck. 
In case of a few plum trees, it is 
A two-wheel machine seen from above. Well to have chickeus Confined be- 

neath them. The jarring winds will bring the beetles down, when the chick- 
ens will pick them up. There is considerable evidence in favor of this plan. 
Still, with the present high price of plums, no one can afford to be without 
these trees ; nor can we afford to leave them solely to the care of the fowls, 
but should always practice the other method which will insure good crops of 
this luscious fruit, and thus give us a luxury for our lablts iuid money for our 
pockets. 

One of our last year's graduates has had charge the past summer of a plum 
orchard in Ohio, and has, he writes me, convinced his neighbors by that best 
convincer, success, that it pays to fight insects on scientilic principles". 

As many know, we are greatly aided in our attempts to baffle the evil at- 
tempts of injurious insects, by a host of parasites, chief among which are the 
ichneumon flies, which may readily be known by their long, compressed abdo- 
mens, and long, excerted ovipositors. It is wonderful, the instinct that guides 
these instinct destroyers to their enemies. Even the plum curculio, secluded 
as he is, and seeming so exempt from molestation as a larvn, has more than 
one of these wily foes to cut short his work of destruction. 

One of these (Fig. 34), the Sigalphus curcuhnis, Fitch, has been known to 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



33 



work on the cnrcnlio for a number of years. The female in the illustration 



shows the attitude in which the 
fatal thrust is made. It is very in- 
teresting to watch the operation of 
egg-laying, as I have frequently 
done, of another iclineumon dur- 
ing the past summer, on our cur- 
rant '•' worms." 



Fro. 34. 




PEACH BOEER. 

^geriaexciiosa. Say. ¥ixm\\y ^geridce. 
Sub-Order, Lepidoptera. 
This beautiful, slender, blue amale; ftfemale; cauiunnse. 

moth, which flies in the bright sunshine, is not so well known as the whitish 
caterpillar which does such pernicious work boring into our peach trees. In 
the recent statements from leading fruit mea'in Indiana and. our own State, 
where this pest has been so persistently and vigorously fought that it seems to be 
nearly exterminated, we have encouraging intimation of what concerted action, 
which this report is aiming to promote, will do in destroying any of our in- 
sects. Such news items should encourage all to enlist and press forward in the 
good work. 

HISTORY. 



These gay moths (Fig. 
Fig. 35. 




K"ATUKAL 

35), resembling wasps in appearance, come forth 
in July, August and September. I have 
hatched them in all of these months. 

They soon pair, and then egg-laying 
commences. The eggs are laid just at 
the base of the trunk. Soon after the 
whitish larvaj will be found, as they have 
commenced boring in the bark and sap- 
wood, just beneath the surface of the 
1 female; 2 male. grouud. ^Yherever they work, just be- 

neath the earth will be found a sticky mass, formed of the oozing gum and 
their chip-dust, which gives quick indication of their presence. These larvas are 
found of very varying sizes, Avhich is easily understood, from the fact of the 
length of time at which the moths come forth, from Jnly to September. These 
larvse will be found at work till about the first week of July, when we will often 
only find papa3 encased in a rough cocoon of chip-dust, earth, and gum. By 
seeking out these oval cocoons, any one may, by keeping them in earth in a close 
box, rear the beautiful moths. The female (1, Fig. 35), is larger, darker than 
the male, and has a bright yellow band across her abdomen. The male ("-i, Fig. 
35), expands about an inch. In hatching a large number, I have found that 
the ratio of males to females is about one to five, which would seem to indicate 
that polygamy reigned among insects. In pushing out of their cocoon, the 
pupa skin is always left projecting from the opening. Perhaps the split co- 
coon serves them as a vise, thus aiding them to gain their freedom. 

REMEDIES. 

It has been recommended to mound the trees with earth in summer. Of 
course the caterpillars will still work near the top of the mound. In tally 
5 



34 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



say the last of September, these mounds are pulled down, and the hot sun 
kills the tender-skinned larva?. There are three objections to this plan : 1st, 
the mounds interfere with the Ransom process of fighting the curculio; 
2d, removing the earth in autumn endangers the trees during our severe win- 
ters; and 3d, it is not absolutely safe. 

The best method, and I believe a cheaper than the above, is to dig them out 
in the fall, the last of September. The oozing gum leads to their quick detec- 
tion, when they can be easily crushed. Our best pomologists, for fear some 
wee depredators escaped detection, go over the trees again in May. 

This is not a tedious process, and should never be neglected. I have seen 
whole orchards languishing, and many trees killed outright by neglect to 
destroy these hateful miners. Such neglect in case of a fruit so rare, so deli- 
cious, and so profitable wherever it can be successfully grown, is unvenial. 

Judge J. G. Rarasdell, so well and favorably known as a pomologist, tells me 
of a new method of mounding which is without the usual objections, and he 
claims a great saving of labor. He hooks tins around the trees, — the same 
used to keep the cut-worm at bay. These are some larger than the tree, and 
four or five inches wide. He fills in between them and the tree with earth. 
This is done about the first week of July, after the cut-worms have ceased 
work, and in time for the first eggs of the borer. In September he removes 
the tins and destroys the caterpillars, which can be done with far less labor 
than when we have to dig them from beneath the earth at its usual level. 

Secretary Bateham of Ohio tells me that washing the base of the trees with 
the following compound is an effectual preventive, and he thinks the cheapest: 
Thin one quart of soft soap with water. Heat this to nearly the boiling tem- 
perature, then add one ounce carbolic acid in crystallized form. When cool, 
add ten times its bulk of water. Apply in July, with brush, to the base of 
the tree. This prevents egg-Jaying 



PEAR OR CHERRY TREE SLUGS. 
Selandria eerasi, Peck. Family, Tenthredinidce. Sub-Order, Hymenoptera. 

The destructive proclivities of these slimy ''"worms" are far too well known 
in our State. I have seen cherry trees in various localities badly injured by 
them, and the pear trees of one of our first pomologists almost destroyed. 
Few insects are so easily overcome ; so with knowledge, vigilance, and prompt- 
ness we may expect to soon be rid of a grievous pest. 

ISTATURAL HISTOKY. 

The shining black fly, less than one-fourth of an inch long, appears in early 
Fig. 36. and late summer. The eggs are deposited 

on the under side of the leaves. The lar- 
vae (Fig. 36) are brown, possess twenty 
feet, taper posteriorly, and are covered 
with a viscid, olive-colored slime, — hence 
the name slug. Not all so-called slugs 
among insect larvtB are characterized by 
a enlarged. this uuctuous coveriug, but all the larvffi 

of this destructive family may be quickly determined by the excessive number 
of legs, as they never contain less than eighteen, and sometimes as many as 
twenty-two. No other insect larvae have to exceed sixteen, — the number gen- 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 85 

erally possessed by caterpillars. These larva) only eat the cuticle of the leaf, 
thus causing it to turn brown and sere. In three or four weeks the larva3 have 
matured, and pass down the tree and enter the earth, where they pupate, the 
flies of the first brood appearing late in August, those of the second late in 
May or early in June. These destructive insects belong to the very destruc- 
tive family known as saw-flies, so named because of the wonderful organs ter- 
minating their bodies, which they use to form the groove for their eggs. As 
seen in the microscope, these organs are very beautiful, and would serve well 
for models of our instruments ot the same name. 

These cherry-tree slugs have been known to work on the plum tree, and 
some other of our shrubs. 

REMEDIES. 

The slime of these insects makes them peculiarly susceptible to any appli- 
cation like ashes, road dust (some deny that road dust is eflfectual), or lime. 
Hence, throwing any of the above substances into the tree where these insects 
are at work is sure to check their ravages. Such treatment goes to the root of 
the matter by destroying the source of the evil. These larvse, as also those of 
other slugs, as the rose slug, so destructive in our State, and the pine tree slug, are 
destroyed by such solutions as white hellebore, quassia, Paris green with water, 
whale oil soap, carbolic acid, or coal oil. These last, of course, must be applied 
very weak, or the tree or plant will be injured. My friend, E. Reynolds, has 
killed the pine tree slug with Paris green, applied at my suggestion, one-half 
tahlespoonful to a pail of water. The same remedy will banish the rose slug. 



THE WEE PEACH BORER. 

Tomicus Uminaris, Harr. Family, Scolytidm. Sub-Order, Coleoptera. 

The summer immediately succeeding the hard winter of '72 and '73 I was 
called to the "Peach Belt" to examine a new peach borer, or at least a borer 
new to that region. I found, not a new enemy, but an old one in new quar- 
ters. Away back in Vol. IV., p. 502 of the American Horticulturist, I find 
Miss Merris describing this insect as working on the peach trees of the Middle 
States, and crediting it with causing the '•' yellows." It is quite propable that 
this insect will appear with the yellows, yet hardly I think as their cause: 1st, 
the insect appears where no yellows are found ; 2d, the yellows show unmis- 
takable evidence in many trees where none of these insects are found; and 
3d, these insects work in some of our forest trees, which trees are diseased. 
Yet the unhealthy condition of the trees is far too great to be ascribed to the 
evils resulting from perhaps a quite limited number of insects. The conclu- 
sion, then, is, that these insects attack for the most part diseased trees, and 
thus trees with abated growth, or lessened vitality, from any reason, either yel- 
lows or severe cold, are specially liable to this farther injury, and we must 
needs take all the more pains to secure our orchards from injury. 

XATURAL HISTORY. 

This little beetle, less than one-tenth of an inch long, is of dark brown col- 
or. The wing cases are deeply furrowed, and abound with short hairs. This 
beetle so closely resembles a beetle that mines in the pine trees {Tomicus pini, 
Say), after doing immense damage, that the unscientific would hardly recog- 
nize them as distinct species. I found the beetles of both these insects during 



36 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

July, but as these beetles looked very young, and as there were still many 
grubs even in the trees, I doubt not but tlie time as given by Harris, August, 
is nearer the average. I can not say where the eggs are laid, — perhaps on the 
bark, — yet, as we know of other insects of the same family that lay their eggs 
in the burrows, it is to be feared that this beetle has the same habits. The 
little whitish grubs eat all through the tree, so that some trees I saw were per- 
fectly riddled with these minute tunnels, which were no larger than a common 
knitting-needle. The larvae, pupaj, and imago may all be found in these tun- 
nels during the first days of Jaly. The beetles, prairie-dog like, appeared to 
be peering from their concealment; nor does the comparison end there, for 
upon the least disturbance they would beat a hasty retreat into their burrows. 

KEMEDIESo 

I regret that I can offer no positive cure for this evil. As they burrow all 
through the trunk, we can not cut them out and burn them, as we could were 
they confined to branches. As their eggs are probably laid in the burrows, we 
are not sure that we can prohibit their being laid. Our only hope seems to be 
to render the trees obnoxious to the beetles during the months of July and 
August, when they issue from the trees. 

I would use coal oil solution or carbolic acid solution, on the trunks, as the 
danger of injuring the trees would be slight. It may be found that common 
soap, or better, whale oil soap in strongest solution, will prevent the beetles 
from returning to the trees after mating. The peach orchardists along our 
western coasts must needs be on the alert for this enemy the coming season, 
for, as Mr. Bidwell well says, it is probable that our insect pests will be more 
than ever active this coming season, and will find our orchards illy prepared 
to resist their attacks. Let all try, who have occasion for their use, the sev- 
eral remedies recommended above, and report as to their efficacy. 



PLANT LICE. 

Aphis mali, Fahr., A. eerrasi,'Fa.hr . Family, Aphiikv. Sah-0 rder, Hemi2)iera,. 

All our fruit men are familiar with the plant lice, as hardly a plant but 
suffers from tbe attack of some species. Yet, doubtlesi owing to the many 
natural enemies, and notwithstanding their wonderfully prolific tendencies, 
they are r^irely very destructive. Sometimes they will attack a tree and seem 
to draw heavily upon its vitality, and the very next year not a single louse will 
be found on the tree. I have noticed this repeatedly. 

NATUEAL . HISTORY. 

These aphis, sometimes green, as is the case with the apple and rose aphis, 
and sometimes black, as seen in the species attacking the cherry, pass the win- 
ter as eggs. I speak of those left out of door. These hatch into females, 
which keep producing younsr, without any appearance of males, all summer 
through ; so that the number of insects which may come from "a^single egg in 
a season is alarmingly prodigious. This may continue for eight or nine gen- 
erations. But with the last brood in autumn there come forth true males and 
females. These pair and lay the eggs which are to produce the females in the 
succeeding spring. This kind of reproduction is not confined to ])Iant lice. 
Other insects show the same peculiarity. In fact, it is a well demonstrated 
fact that drone bees are the product of unfertilised eggs. The two projecting 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. • 37 

tubes from the posterior parts of the flask-shaped bodies of these lice are called 
nectaries, as there exudes therefrom a sweet substance. This sweet secretion 
attracts the ants, hence the reason that we usually see plants attacked by lice 
also covered with ants. The lice and ants seem to dwell together very ami- 
cably. In fact, there seems to be an affection, not disinterested, to be sure, 
between them, as the ants caress the lice in a very loving manner, and in case 
of disturbance are very eager in their efforts to protect and care for the lice. 

REMEDIES. 

Syringing the plants with tobacco water is sure destruction to these insects. 
If limbs of small trees are alone attacked, they may be dipped in the fluid. 
Whale oil soap solution, and even common soap suds are benetieial, while many 
gardeners think that frequent syringing with pure water is not without ben- 
efit. 

It has been recommended to brush the eggs off of young trees and small 
plants in the spring with a hand brush, — advice I think of doubtful practi- 
cality. 

I think that these insects, where they are exposed to our cold winters and 
to the host of lice destroyers, will never do great mischief; but in our green- 
houses and on our house plants they have full chance to work their ruin. 
But in these cases tobacco water and tobacco smoke are effectual preventives, 
and where else can this article, tobacco, be so appropriately used as in the de- 
struction of these miserable lice ? 



IMPORTED CURRANT BORER. 

^geria tipuUformis, Linn. Family, JEjeridm. Sub-Order, Lepidoptera. 

In an official communication lately received from App. M. Smith, secretary 
of the Manistee horticultural society, I am desired to give information in ref- 
erence to the currant borer. Upon examination, I find that this insect is work- 
ing its blighting ravages in this vicinity ; so it is not unlikely that it is widely 
distributed throughout our State. This being the case, the reply to the Man- 
istee pomologists will be of general interest. 

As will be noticed, this beautiful wasp-like moth belongs to the same family 
and genus as the peach borer. The moths of this family may be readily told 
by their trim form, quick movements, diurnal habits, flying in the hot sun- 
shine, and especially by the brush-like character of the tip of the body. This 
last character will serve to distinguish them from the wasps, — an important 
fact, as even entomologists of considerable experience are liable to be deceived, 
so striking is the resemblance. The larvae of the family, so far as I know, are 
without exception borers. They are white with a brownish head, and gener- 
ally pupate in a cocoon made of their own chips or dust. 

This ^gerian, as will be noticed by the name, is imported, and, as is gen- 
erally true, is all the worse from that fact. As a rule the imported species are 
the most destructive. 

DESCRIPTION AND NATURAL HISTORY. 

The moth is a little less than one-half inch long, and expands three-fourths 
of an inch. The color is deep blue, with three yellow bands across the abdo- 
men, a yellow collar, and yellow mixed with blue marking the legs. These 
yellow bands, so like the same in many of our wasps, renders this species all 
the more liable to be mistaken, especially as they mingle with the wasps, 



38 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

making a gay company in the bright sunshine. Yet the tufted extremity, in 
lieu of a pointed one tipped with a dreaded spear, will quickly undeceive us. 

These moths appear in June and July. I found several specimens yesterday, 
June 22. They deposit their eggs near a bud, at which work they seem very 
busily engaged during the heat of the day. These eggs soon hatch, and the 
tiny caterpillar at once bores to the center of the stem. "What more strange 
than that this minute larva, almost microscopic, can thus perforate the hard, 
woody stem! These larvae may be found in the stem from June to July the 
following year. I have taken the moth from the bushes with my net, and the 
nearly full-grown larvae from the hollow stem the same day, June 22. 

A curious example of wise foresight is afforded by these larvae in their eat- 
ing through the hard wood and bark before assuming the pupa state, as with- 
out such forecast and action the hollow stem would be a fatal dungeon to the 
moth, whose slender sucking tube and wanting jaws would render her escape 
hopeless. 

In May, June, and July the insect becomes a pupa, the pupa always lying 
very near the outside opening, in a poor apology of a cocoon, if any, made of 
its own leavings. That able entomologist, Eev. C. J. S. Bethune of Ontario, 
speaks of the chrysalid sleeping peacefully in this cavity while the bleak win- 
try winds howl among the branches. (See Entomological Report of Ontario 
for the year 1871.) Such a remark would be true only of the larva. 

In June and July the moths again appear. 

These insects seem to attack the red currant more generally, yet the black 
variety, and even the gooseberry is not exempt from its blasting work. Not 
only do the broken stems, so weakened as to be unable to stand upright, but 
also the sickly appearance of the foliage tell of this insect's presence and work. 
Bending the stocks will also generally give the needed information, as the 
affected ones bend more readily. The hollows in stocks cut across will inform 
US of their previous or present work. 

REMEDIES. 

It has been suggested that we catch the moths. I think this is not a prac- 
tical remedy. The moths are so small, so quick, so wasp-like, that I should 
despair of this ever becoming generally practiced. I would suggest letting the 
bushes sprout up pretty freely, and then each spring practice heavy pruning, 
taking pains to cut and burn the feeble and limber stocks. This should be 
done about May 20 ; if later, some of the earlier moths might escape, if earlier, 
the pruner could not discriminate so wisely between healthy and diseased stems 



IMPORTED GOOSEBERRY SAW-FLY. 

Nematus veniricosus, Klug. Family, Tenthredinidm. Sub-Order, Hymenopiera. 

This destructive insect, which has finally become scattered all over our State, 
is also a foreigner, — another of the many bequests from the old world which 
we would have gladly foregone. In view of the fact that we have received very 
many of our worst insect pests from Europe, they ought not to complain if we 
have given them Phylloxera or if we still add Doryjjliora, which they essay to 
prevent by laws prohibiting the importation of the potato. As well attempt 
to prevent the importation of rats by an interdict on the importation of seed 
packages. This gooseberry (or currant) slug is a fearful devastator, often com- 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



39 



pletely defoliating the bushes the first year that it appears. Although only 
about fifteen years among us, still it is already broadly distributed throughout 
our State. 

NATUEAL HISTORY. 



The yellow female saw-fly (Fig. 37, h), about the size of the house-fly, with 



Fig 




black head, meets the smaller male (Fig. 37, 
a), which has more black, and commences 
laying her Avhitish transparent eggs along the 
veins underneath the leaf, about the first of 
May. These hatch in three or four days, and 
the green twenty-legged "worms" (Fig. 38, 
a), dotted with black until the last moult, 
when they are entirely green, commence im- 
mediately to feed on the leaves. These larvaj 
eat voraciously, and soon become full grown, 
being then three-fourths of an inch long. 
These larvas either go into the earth, under 
leaves, or remain attached to the bushes and 
spin a cocoon of brownish silk. The larvaj 
will be found at work till in July. They re- 
main as pnpas till the following spring, when 
the flies come forth to repeat the round of 
mischief. 



Fig. 38. 



REMEDIES. 

Prevention being universally con- 
ceded to be better than cure, all should 
be certain not to import these insects 
in procuring the plants. As the co- 
coons are hid in spring among the 
roots, these should be carefully washed 
and the material washed off burned. 
The absence of such precautionary 
measures accounts for the rapid spread ^,;< 
of these pests. ) 

The leaves when first worked on are 
perforated with small holes (Fig. 38). S~~._ 
As there are comparatively few, the " 
eggs being so compactly placed that 
but few leaves receive them, they can 
be gathered and burned. But if we 
have failed, either through ignorance 
or neglect, to destroy these destroyers 
till they become scattered over the bushes, we still can offer effectual battle. 
White hellebore, dusted upon the vine in the same manner that we would rec- 
ommend for applying the Paris green mixture on the potato, is sure destruc- 
tion to these " worms." This is best applied when there is little or no wind ; 
and, though poisonous, is entirely safe if used cautiously. If it is preferred, 
as in most cases it doubtless will be, the hellebore may be mixed with water 
and applied with a sprinkler, in which case we are independent of wind and 
can not inhale it. An onnce to a pail of water is' sufficient. As it costs but 
forty cents per pound, it will be seen that it is not expensive.* 




40 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



The fruit will receive so slight an amount of the hellebore that no fear need 
be entertained in using it, — in fact the first riin will wash it off, — and if any 
are afraid, they can easily rinse the fruit before using it. It has long been used 
in Europe, and no harm is reported. 

Elder Potter of Lansing states that dusting the bushes with ashes kills the 
insects, while Wm. M. Clark of the same city gives like evidence as to soap- 
suds. Still, neither of these can take the place of the hellebore, which, if a 
good article, will prove effective every time, by whomsoever used ; which is 
not the case with either of the other substances. 



THE CURRANT MB]ASURING WOR^kl. 

Abraxisribearia, Filch, FamUy , Phalcenidce. Sah-Order, Le2ndopte7-a. 

This insect has caused so little damage in our State that until last year I 
have never heard of it as doing injury among us. Last season I received the 
moths from several localities, in some of which the larvae did considerable 
damage. I have taken the moth at Lansing for several years, and have seen 
the larvo3 working on the wild bushes, gooseberry and currant, but have never 
met it in our gardens. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

This species exist during the winter as eggs. Late in May the larvse appear. 
Fig. 39. which are white, striped with yellow, 

and dotted with black (Fig. 39), and 
can easily be told by the same peculiar- 
ity noted in the canker worm, — the hab- 
it of measuring (1, Fig. 39), or looping, 
when they move, and dropping (2, Fig. 
39) by a thread when disturbed. By 
the last of June they are full grown, 
and measure a little more than an inch 
in length. The larvse pass into the earth 
to pupate, and a little beneath the sur- 
face change to a brown chrysalis about 
one-half of an inch long (3, Fig. 39). 
In about two weeks the moths appear. 
These are of a pale yellowish color, with 
more or less dusky spots on the wings, 
which frequently form a band across the 
wings. Sometimes the dusky spots are 
slight. The moths (Fig 40), expand li 
inches. The moths lay their eggs along 
the twigs, where they remain, despite 
the heat and cold, till another spring. 

REMEDIES. 

The moths can be caught in a net ; and though this is easily done, still it is 
not as practical a remedy as the hellebore, which by many is reported to be as 
efficient as with the saw-fly larvae. As it was reported a failure during the 
past season by several persons, I can but think that the hellebore was not the 
genuine article, or else was very poor. 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 41 

Hand-picking is more than usually easy of adoption, to be practiced in the 
-p AQ same manner as with the canker worms : give the bush 

a slight tap, when the larvae will drop, and remain sus- 
pended by a thread for some time. By using a stick 
these can be drawn out together and easily crushed. 

It is more than likely that this pest, which has been 
long destructive east, will continue to be more and 
more so with us as our forests are cut away, removing 
its native foliage. Let us all give it battle from the 
outset. 




CLIJUBING CUT-WORMS. 

Agrotis Cochrani. Riley. 

Were the climbing cut-worms as destructive in all sections of our State as 
"they are along our eastern and western shores, these insects would rank next 
to the Codling Moth as a pest of the orchardist, and even now they occupy no 
inferior position. It would be difficult to estimate the amount of damage 
which these insects have perpetrated in our State. They not only strip the 
buds from our fruit trees, but the various vines also minister to their appe- 
tites. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 

Little need be said on this subject farther than what has been said in refer- 
ence to field cut-worms, as the characters of the various cut-worms are very 
similar, as also their habits; yet, just before the larvse matures, the climbing 
species exhibit a strange peculiarity, as during the warm summer nights they 
come forth from their earthen retreats, not to nip the tender corn or tomato 
plant, but to climb some apple, pear, or peach tree, or some grape vine, and 
eat out the tender buds, thus frequently doing irreparable damage. The 
owner sees the damage, but not the enemy, and all ignorant of the true cause, 
says hard things of his bird friends. These have wrought great injury at 
Monroe the past season, yet hardly a sufferer knew the cause of the mischief. 
These larvse hide by day just beneath the ground, where they may be found by 
a little digging. They may also be seen by climbing into the trees by night or 
by shaking the same, when the "worms" will fall to the earth. There are 
two or three species in our State that I am sure have this climbing habit ; 
there may be several. 

REMEDIES. 

In addition to the process of digging out by hand, recommended to destroy 
field cut-worms, and placing armfulls of fresh clover to entrap the larvas, as 
already suggested to the gardener, there are still other methods to fight or 
ward off the climbing species. They can be caught by using the sheet and 
mallet at night, as in fighting the curculio when they are in the tree. They 
may also be kept from gaining access to the tree or vines at all. To protect 
vines Prof. Tracy recommends using stiff smooth paper, about four inches 
wide. He winds this about the trunk, gathering in at the top, and tying about 
this gathered portion with a cord, drawing it tightly. The lower portion is 
permitted to stand out a little from the tree, so the whole resembles an invert- 
ed funnel. For larger trees, and indeed for small trees and vines, the same is 
6 



4-^ INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

often used, but tin bands will be most desirable. The tin should be thin and 
bright, and should be cut into strips about three inches wide, and of a length 
to correspond to the size of the trees to be protected. When these are drawn 
closely about the tree they should lap sufficiently to be tacked or nailed 
through the lap : a hole should be made through one end of the tins with a 
punch, then in placing the tins on the tree the end with the hole should lap 
over the other end, and if a lath nail is used this may be made by a smart 
blow to pass through the other end, and into the tree. The nail should only 
be driven partially in so as to be easily pulled out when the tins are to be laid 
away. By making a narrow slit in the other end of the tin to correspond with 
the hole when the tin is lapped, it can be fastened by a common carpet tack, 
in which case the tack should only be driven partially in to the tree. Prof. 
Tracy recommends that the tin be tacked or nailed near the upper edge. This 
tin is a sure preventive, for the cut-worm cannot pass over the surface of 
smooth tin. Judge Ramsdell would have the tins longer, and fasten by hook- 
ing, as the ends are bent for that purpose. He thinks there is little danger of 
the larva passing between the band and tree. He uses these same bands in 
fighting the peach borer, as already described. 

As these pests work far worse on sandy land, those having orchards on light 
soil will have to be specially vigilant. 

Had this remedy been known and practiced, how much would have been 
saved to our State ! Now that it is known, shall we not all practice, and stop 
this leak in our treasury ? 



THE ROSE CHAFER. 

Macrodactylus subspinosa, Fabr. Family, Scaraheidm. Sub-Order, Volsoptera. 

As this old pest of the rose is becoming quite destructive to the grape in 
rarious sections of our State, it demands a brief notice. 

ISTATURAL HISTOET. 

Its history and habits closely resemble those of its family relation, the May 
beetle, already described. 

Fig. 41. The beetles (Fig. 41) appear in June and July ; eat most ravenously, 
seeming to relish rose leaves, grape leaves, and even cherry leaves. 
After this wedding feast is over, the females lay their eggs in the 
ground. The grubs feed on the roots of plants, but are not sufficiently 
destructive to attract attention. The pupai may be found in May, and 
t'm June the beetles come forth again to their work of plunder. 

REMEDIES. 

As this beetle will, like the curculio and blister beetles, fall from the plants 
whenever disturbed, they may be shaken on to sheets placed under the vines, 
and destroyed. 

I presume that white hellebore might destroy these beetles-, and there is 
hardly any doubt but that they would succumb to Paris green, which I think 
would be perfectly safe when applied so early in the season. As we have none 
of these beetles here, I can not experiment with these various remedies. Let 
some of our fruit men along the lake shore try these applications, as also that 
of a solution of carbolic acid, not strong enough to injure the vines, and re- 
port the results. 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



43 



Fig. 42. 



GRAPE-VINE LEAF-HOPPER. 
Erythroneura vitis, Harr. Familj'. Cicadellina. Sub-Order, Ilemiptera. 
These sprightly little insects are quite geiierally distributed through our 
State, and though thev are specially ruinous some seasons, yet perhaps the very 
next they are not to be met at all. I think Mr. Bidwell of South Haven has 
discovered the cause of this sudden disappearance, and in it a method to suc- 
cessfully fight them. 

NATUKAL HISTOEY. 

These beautiful little insects (Fig. 42), so gaily robed in yellow, black, and 
scarlet, hybemate during the winter in 
the mature state, and may be found 
in fall and winter just under the vines, 
protected from the fatal damp by the 

leaves. In the spring the survivors ^^ — -^^YA^i^^^^^—^y T 
come forth, lay their eggs on the plants, ^==r$^teffil^^=>::::^ i 
and soon die. The young are quite like 
the parents, except in size and absence 
of wings. They possess the same hop- 
ping propensity, and hence the lively 
appearance whenever the vines are disturbed. The insects continue to grow, 
become possessed of wings, and if very abundant will well nigh suck the vital- 
ity all out of the vines. 

REMEDIES. 

Mr. Bidwell discovered, in collecting these hoppers one winter, that those 
which were nnder damp leaves were dead, and only those which were protected 
from the damp of winter survived. Hence the only practical remedy I have 
ever heard of for these pests of our vineyards: As soon as they have become 
dormant in winter, so rake up the leaves under the vines as to cause the in- 
sects to become a prey to this inability to endure wet or damp. I think it 
would be well to rake up the leaves in autumn and burn them, doing it on 
cold days, Avhen the'hoppers are dormant, and before the vines are laid down 
for winter. 




THE GRAPE PHYLLOXERA. 

Phylloxera mstatrix, Plan. Family, ApMdae. Sub-order, Eemiptera. 
This little insect, hardly large enough to attract the attention of any but 
the cautious observer, is without doubt an American insect. Yet, from the 
comparative immunity of most of the grapes grown here from its blighting 
attacks, and ignorance of its natural history, only a part of such history being 
known, it was not dreamed, when Prof. Planchon announced, in 1868, that the 
cause of the terrible Phylloxera plague of France was a minute plant louse, 
that the insect was identical with that described as Phylloxera vitifolim by Dr. 
Fitch, twelve years before. At last the assurance seems to be conclusive that 
the insects are identical, though some still believe otherwise, yet with no suf- 
ficient reason, I think, and that we have suffered more or less during all our 
grape-growing history from the ravages of this insect, whose late importation 
is striking far more seriou§ blows ^.t this important interest in Europe. 



44 



INJURIOUS INSECTS. 




NATURAL HISTORY. 

The dull orange colored louse described by Dr. Fitch, which by puncturing 
the leaves causes them to become covered with excrescences or small galls (Fig. 
Fict- 43. 43) which greatly deform the leaf, are 

but one form of this insect, and that 
by far the most harmless. 

Under these galls the eggs (Fig. 
44, d) are laid to the number of 
three or four hundred. These soon 
hatch, and the young lice (Fig 44, a, 
h) go merrily forth in their bright yel- 
low garb, and repeat the work of their 
parents. Thus on, for four or five 
generations, all the lice are wingless, 
all females, — in fact, no other ever ap- 
pear in the galls. What is very curi- 
ous, only a few varieties suffer from 
these not very serious leaf galls, the 
Clinton seeming to be most suscept- 
ible to such attacks. As fall approach- 
underside of leaf, showing palls. es the galls become deserted, and the 
young descend to the roots, where they hibernate. As these gall lice will readily 
take to the roots and flourish if Fig. 44. 
removed to those vines where the 
galls are never found, it is not 
improbable that some lice pass 
from leaves to roots during the 
summer. Why some of the lice 
pass to the leaves of certain vari- 
eties of grapes in the summer is 
yet unknown. It may be possi- 
ble that they prefer roots when 
they are suitable, and will only 
attack leaves when the roots are 
not to their taste, Avhich may be 
true of the Clinton. This is cer- 
tainly a reasonable conjecture, if 
the edible character of the grape 

is any index to that of the root, a and b, larvie as seen from below and above ; c, egg ; d, Rail ; 
TTnfnj-l-nnqfplv tliprp i«! finnfVipr « enlarged tendrils ; /■, (7, and A, imago gall, louse from side, 
UnrOlCUUateiy mere is anotner ^bove, and below; t, antenna; J tarsus-side marks show 

form of this louse, — the root form, true size. 

for it is this form which has given to the future of grape growing in Europe 
its uncertainty. The young (Fig. 45, h) of this form are not distinguishable 
from those of the galls. Not so with the more mature forms (Fig, 45, e, f, g), 
which are not smooth, like those formed in the galls, but are covered with 
Avarts. Some of these assume a greenish cast, become large before and taper 
back, and, like the gall-forms, are always without wings. The others 
are always bright yellow, always of the oval form of the young, and finally 
develop stubs of wings (Fig. 47, e,f), and at last come forth with well-devel- 
oped wings (Fig. 47, q, h), well equipped to go forth to new fields for conquest. 
They come forth from the earth as pupa, and then cast their skin for the last 




INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



45 




Fig. 45. time. These winged forms are still 

3'ellow, but have lost their tuber- 
cles. The winged forms are most 
abundant in August and Septem- 
ber, though they may be seen from 
July till fall. The most of these 
are long, lay eggs, and are certainly 
females. Others are shorter of 
body, and are supposed by some to 
be males, but are probably abortive 
females. These lay eggs from which 
come the true male (Fig. 4G) and 
female, which latter lays but a 
single eg^. These all die off in 
fall, so that the insects pass the 
winter either as eggs or as larvae. 

a, .1 sensed roots : b. larva louse ; c. antennae ; d, leg : .,/, This polymorphism, Or different 
and ff, imago root lice; h, granulations on the skin; i. formS of the Same SpCCieS, Is UOt 
tubercle. 

peculiar to lice, but is shown in even the highest insects, as seen in the bees 
and ants. Fig. 46. 

As already intimated, some entomologists deny the 
identity of these forms, especially the gall and root 
form. Now, as it is not exceptional among insects, and 
as Prof. Riley, who has done himself great credit by his 
thorough and skillful investigations of this insect, has 
produced the gall form from the young of the root 
form, and vice versa, it seems to me that doubt should 
be entirely banished. Besides, any vineyard, so far as 
I have examined, which has in it both Clinton and 
Catawba grape vines, will have both these forms if 
either. 

The roots which are attacked by these lice, swell, be- 
come deformed (Fig. 47, d), and in three or four years 
rot. The first season the vines above ground show no 
signs of the evil ; the second they become yellow and sickly, and frequently 
die the third season, 

HOW THE INSECTS SPREAD. 

The wingless root forms pass from the roots of one vine to those of another, 
and thus spread the disease. Very likely the young from the galls are blown 
from one vine to another, as we know the young of the oyster-shell bark-lice 
are. The winged females may fly, by aid of the wind, to an indefinite distance, 
and as a single female may become the parent of millions of lice in a single 
season, we can easily see why all Europe is in alarm. 

VARIETIES OF GRAPES SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE ROOT FORM. 

Of the grapes grown and recommended for cultivation in this State, fortu- 
nately very few are subject to serious harm from the root form of the Phyllox- 
era, the only form that does serious damage. The vigorous, rapid-growing 
varieties are almost exempt, while the slow growers are very apt to suffer. Tiie 
Concord, Hartford Prolific, and Israella are almost entirely exempt, as is the 
Clinton. The Delaware, Crevelling, Kebecca, Diana, Eumelan, and Allen's 




Male. 



46 



iX.ljRiOUS JKSIiCTS. 
Fig. 47. 




e, healthy root ; 5, root on which the lice are at work : c, rleserted root where decay has commenced; rf, 
lice on larjie roots ; e and f, pupa3 : g and h, ima^os with wings ; i, antennsE of same; j, wingless female 
on roots depositing; k, section of root. 

Hybrid are more susceptible, but comparatively undisturbed; while the lona 
and Catawba are very liable to attack and injury. Who knows how much the 
want of success with the Catawba and lona is consequent upon the ravages of 
the Phylloxera. I have seen the injurious effects of this pest at Pointe aux 
P.?aux, Monroe county, and more marked still in the famous vineyards of Kel- 
ley's Island, Ohio. 

Fortunately there are a host of natural enemies which, especially in this 
country, will go very far towards holding the pest in abeyance. 

PREVENTIVES. 

Grafting the susceptible varieties on such stocks as the Clinton, Concord, or 
Israella has been recommended, and is being extensively tried, especially in 
Em-ope. Mr. Kelley of Kelley's Island, who has experimented some, has little 
faith in grafting ; yet my observations at his place were encouraging.* In pro- 
curing vines, it would be a safe precaution to dip the roots in some insecticide, 

* Prof. Riley, who has just returned from Europe, tells me that the graftintr experiments tried there graft- 
ing their varieties on our stocks is giving great hope as an effectual cure for this terrible plague. 



INJUfilOUS INSECTS. 41' 

as a strong solution of Avhale-oil soap, before setting them. It would be well, 
too, to mix soot in the soil, as that is found obnoxious to the lice. 

DIRECT REMEDIES. 

The leaves affected with galls should be collected and destroyed early in the 
season. Submersion for twenty or thirty days has been found effectual in 
France in killing the root forms. Wherever this can be done it should be 
brought into requisition in autumn, immediately after the season's growth is 
complete. It is said that at this season the vines will not suffer, even if sub- 
merged for a time sufficient to destroy the lice. 

Carbolic acid powder and soot are highly recommended. By mixing these 
with the soil the lice are said to be destroyed. 

Bisulphide of carbon, which we use so successfully in destroying museum 
pests, which recently gave so much hope in France, is now given up as too ex- 
pensive, too laborious of application, and not thorough enough in its effects, 
owing, doubtless, to inability to reach the lice in making the application. 

According to late advices Prof. Dumas, of the French academy, has discov- 
ered a perfect remedy, and one easily applied. It is the salt: potassic sulpho- 
carbonate (K S C S'), which is applied in a dry form. It is placed on the 
earth beneath the vines and carried to the roots by the rain. The eflficacy of 
this salt is vouched for by such well known scientists as Messrs. Milne Edwards, 
Posteur, Duchartre, Blanchard, etc. As I have before suggested, our ability is 
ever commensurate with our needs. 



CLOTHES MOTH. 
Tinea flavi-frontella , Linn. Family, lineidcs.. Sub-order Lepidoptera. 

Hon. W. L. Webber of East Saginaw writes: "We of this place (East Sagi- 
naw) are very much troubled with carpet and furniture moths. If your time 
would permit, I think a paper prepared by you, giving the details of the nat- 
ural history, habits, and transformations of this pest, and the best method to 
prevent its work or to get rid of it after work has commenced, will be of great 
interest to us here, and I believe of general interest." 

I take pleasure in complying with the above request, not simply because of 
the importance of the subject, but also because of the general ignorance in 
regard to it, even among those most cultured and most interested. Only a 
few evenings since, when I was taking tea with one of the best informed ladies 
of my acquaintance, I called her attention to some of the pretty little yellow 
moths just coming from her elegant furniture. "What !" she remarked, '-those 
the moths! I supposed the large ones [cut- worm moths, J^roi!m/z5] we see 
behind the blinds in summer and autumn were the mischief-makers." It 
would be no greater mistake to call an elephant a horse. 

DESCRIPTIOisT. 

These little moths expand about a half inch, and are less than one-fourth of 
an inch long. They are of a light buff color, and shine like satin. The wings 
are long, narrow, pointed, and beautifully fringed. The larva ("worm") is 
white, with a yellow head, has, like nearly all caterpillars, sixteen legs, and is 
always surrounded by a flattened, cylindrical case, usually gray or whitish in 
color, though this depends on their food. The ends are open, that the larvse 
may reach forth to feed, or peer forth, which they are free to do when disturbed. 

The pupa or chrysalis is somewhat curved, and has a rounded head. The 



48 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 

antennae, wings, and legs are folded beneath the body, and reach nearly to the 
end of the body. The pupa case or cocoon is similar to the larva case. 

HABITS. 

The moth comes forth as early as the last of May, and may be seen from 
that time till the close of summer. Their tiny, lustrous, buff-colored bodies are 
easily detected, as they rest with wings folded close about their bodies in the 
deep crevices of our parlor furniture, or among the folds of our garments, or 
even more plainly as they flit across our rooms. 

These moths pair, after which the female seeks out our furs and woolen or 
silk apparel, her minute size enabling her to enterdrawers, closets, and trunks; 
when she distributes her eggs with an eye to the good of her prospective young, 
if not to our good. The larvse soon appear, and maybe found at home the 
summer through, comfortably fixed up in their little tents and working their 
miserable mischief, all unsuspected by the unwary housewife, who learns too 
late of their previous presence, by discovering that her most choice posses- 
sions are totally ruined. In spring and summer the chrysalids will appear, 
soon to followed by a new return of the pretty moths. 

REMEDIES. 

Woolen garments and furs should be put away in trunks, with several pieces 
of camphor gum as large as hickory-nuts packed in with them, or they maybe 
put in close paper bags and pasted up so that no holes, ever so small, will 
remain open. Even in this case a little camphor gum will render assurance 
doubly sure. Infested garments or furs should be put in a tight sack or trunk, 
and after adding a half ounce of chloroform the sack or trunk should be closed 
as nearly air tight as possible. The vapor will kill the insects. Then prepare 
as given above. 

For furniture and carpets heavy paper, wet with carbolic acid or spirits of 
turpentine, will kill larvse already at work. This should be placed under the 
edge of the carpet, where the mischief is generally done, and in furniture, 
crowded back in the deep folds. It would be well to saturate the interior of 
the furniture with a strong solution of carbolic acid. Our best furniture and 
furs have a goodly quantity of this substance in the undissolved state fastened 
inside them when made. Russian leather, cedar bark or boughs, tobacco leaves, 
and even red pepper, are said to prevent the moths from laying eggs. It will 
be well, then, to place these in exposed situations. Manufacturers of carriages 
wash the woolen linings of their carriages with a weak solution of corrosive 
sublimate, which is very sure destruction to all insects. Yet Dr. Kedzie tells 
me it is unsafe to use it. 

Hon. W. L. Webber writes me as follows in reference to a method practiced 
by his people in destroying the larvae in carpets: 

"There is one means which they have practiced of killing the worm while in the carpet 
which is not suggested by your article. Take a wet sheet or other cloth, lay it upon the 
carpet, and then run a hot flat-iron over it, so as to convert the water into steam, which 
permeates the carpet beneath and destroys the life of the inchoate moth. They have found 
this very successful, and as it can be done without taking up the carpet, and the whole 
surface gone over in a comparatively short time, it is regarded as one of the most efBcient 
means of protection they have." 

Every careful housekeeper will carefully examine her carpets and furniture 
each fall and spring, brush out all the creases, give all a good airing, and if 
there is any trace of these evil-doers, Avlll practice the above remedies. 

A. J. COOK, 

Lansing, June 10, 1875. Professor in Agriculhiral College. 






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